Special Collections policy
The Special Collections is designed to hold items that are considered required purchases or essential reading for courses. Items in the collection should be those that are in demand and require rapid turnaround to meet student needs. Stock in the Special Collections is usually for overnight loan. Non-loan copies may be available (currently restricted to selected subject areas).
Items on reading lists will be included in the Special Collections if specifically requested by academic staff. Stock can also be made 7-day loan in the Main Collection if more appropriate, or contact us to discuss digital options.
Academic staff - please send us your reading list and specify which of these loan periods you would like.
Items with multiple holds are also transferred into the Special Collections if appropriate.
What can be put in the Special Collections?
- Books (maximum of two copies)
- Bound course packs (one copy)
- Videos, DVDs, etc (one copy)
Library staff monitor the use of individual titles. The number of copies of a title will be increased if the current holdings in the collection cannot meet demand. It is recommended that at least one copy of a title remains on the open shelves in the LRC.
Academic staff should contact us if there are any types of material not specified above which you would like to add to the Collection.
It will take time for materials to be processed for inclusion in the Special Collections. It is recommended that you give at least two weeks notice for items to be included in the Collection.
Student requests
Students may ask for items to be included in or removed from the Special Collections. Just contact us with details of the items concerned.