It is designed both to assist patrons in their understanding of what the Library can provide, as well as to guide those responsible for building the Library's collection. It is anticipated that this policy will aid those charged with the selection of materials to make judgments from a clearly recognized point of view so that the growth of the collection will be consistent with widely understood objectives and priorities. The Library supports the teaching, research and service missions of the College by providing information to students, faculty, staff, alumni, optometrists, and the general public through a consistently selected and well-organized collection. To the extent permitted by the acquisitions budget, this collection should make it unnecessary for students to go to other libraries for materials used in their studies or for faculty to go elsewhere for materials that are directly related to their teaching. This level serves to introduce and define a subject and to indicate the varieties of information available elsewhere.
Basic information includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, bibliographic databases, and handbooks.
Instructional Support or Study Level Materials at this level are adequate to impart and maintain knowledge about a subject but at a level of less than research intensity. Included is a wide range of basic works in appropriate formats and reference and bibliographic tools pertaining to the subject. Research Level Materials at this level include the major published source materials required for dissertation and independent research. This level is intended to include all important reference works and a broad selection of specialized monographs, as well as a very extensive collection of journals and major indexing and abstracting services in the field. Pertinent foreign language materials are included.