Hardbound editions are preferred to paperback, where available. The Library subscribes to journals and newspapers, as well as other serials in appropriate subject fields. Duplicate subscriptions are avoided whenever possible. Hardcopy is preferred, although periodical backfiles are purchased in microform. For materials in tabloid or newspaper formats, strong consideration should be given to subscribing to backfiles in microform, rather then having the items bound.
Emphasis is generally on the text, rather than on the edition.
Although an original edition may in some cases be required, commercial reprints are usually just as satisfactory, and considerably less expensive. Dissertations and Theses . Archival copies of those written at the University of South Carolina are kept in the South Caroliniana Library, and a circulating copy is cataloged for the Cooper Library stacks. Those from other academic sources are treated as specialized research materials and are acquired in accordance with the overall collection policy. The purchase of textbooks by the Library is discouraged as much as possible.