The SFU Library purchases books that support the research, teaching, and learning activities at Simon Fraser University. The print and ebook formats each have their own advantages and features which appeal to readers in different contexts. Mirroring our e-preferred journal collection policy, the SFU Library prefers to purchase books in electronic format (vs. print) as detailed below.  

Ebooks provide access to content 24/7, regardless of location and often to multiple users simultaneously.  Ebooks can be made available within days, save shelf space, are protected from physical damage and theft, and can offer better accessibility.

In selecting an ebook, the following criteria are desirable:

1. Minimal restrictions on use and excellent interface features, e.g. multiple users can access at once; can copy, print and download; mark-up, highlight text, take notes, etc.
2. The cost of the ebook is not prohibitively expensive when compared to the print version.
3. The content of the book is best supported by the electronic format, such as reference works and edited collections.

The following exceptions and factors will be considered: 

1. There is no electronic version available in an acceptable time frame. 
2. The content is better suited to the print format (e.g. quality of images, works of significant length intended to be read cover to cover, etc.)
3. The researcher or learner requires print, or the disciplinary practices require print. 

The library generally acquires single copies of resources. This includes avoiding duplication between print books and ebooks.

Librarians will assess ebook purchasing practices on an ongoing basis taking into consideration the evolving nature of scholarship and academic publishing.

Scope

Deselection refers to the withdrawal of physical items from the Library’s collection. This policy applies to physical items at all SFU Library locations, excluding equipment and Special Collections and Rare Books. Physical items include, but are not limited to, books, journals, newspapers, magazines, media, and microforms. 

Rationale

Deselection occurs in alignment with the general collection policy, which describes the Library’s goals of supporting research, teaching and learning and preserving the scholarly record in collaboration with consortial partners.

In the absence of additional storage space, deselection further supports Library services and operations by ensuring space for ongoing additions to the collection and increasing ease of access. It also recognizes that retaining and maintaining items involve ongoing costs, regardless of whether or not items are actively used. 

Process for deselection

Deselection occurs on an ongoing basis as items meet withdrawal criteria. 

Liaison librarians develop these criteria based on the broader collection policy to reflect the unique nature of each discipline. Liaison librarians, branch library heads, and collections librarians gather relevant information, consult with faculty members and other librarians as needed, and make recommendations regarding the retention or withdrawal of material.

The Associate Dean of Libraries, Collections & Scholarly Communication retains final authority over decisions on matters of deselection and retention.

Principles for retention and deselection

The Library considers a combination of factors when deciding whether to retain or withdraw items in the collection.

The Library prioritizes retention of an item in the following cases:

• the Library has a commitment to retain it as a trusted partner (e.g. to other university libraries or institutions)
• it is a book that was written or edited by an SFU faculty member
• it has been recently used or recently added to the collection

The Library also considers:

• degree of relevance to the purpose and values guiding the development of the collection
• specific disciplinary needs 
• whether the item is retained by trusted partners (e.g. other university libraries, institutions)
• the existence of duplicate copies or different editions in Library holdings
• the existence of reliable online equivalents accessible to SFU researchers
• the item’s physical condition

Principles for disposal of deselected items

The Library prioritizes methods that allow for reuse of items approved for deselection and may take actions such as the following:

• transferral to Special Collections and Rare Books
• donation to external organizations
• environmentally responsible disposal

In general, items cannot be offered to departments or individuals due to logistical constraints.

New journals added to the collection will normally be in electronic-only format.

Conditions indicating that a print subscription may be preferential to an electronic-only format. 

1. Content: If the e-journal does not contain all content available in the print journal.
2. Image quality: If illustrative materials (tables, photographs, artistic renderings, etc.) are not included in a digitally accessible format in the e-journal.  If the quality of images or other graphics in the e-journal does not meet the needs of SFU users.
3. Perpetual access: If the e-journal subscription does not include perpetual access to years subscribed. Exception: if the subscription is not intended to be retained in print (eg. Current two years only) then the e-journal subscription is likely the better format.