Physical Collection Reduction Project – AY2023-AY2025
As outlined in our Collection Development Policy, Library Services collects and provides access to physical and digital materials in support of the University mission. The primary purpose of library collections at Minnesota State University, Mankato is to support the curriculum and research needs of the university. Given the size and scope of the University and the finite resources allocated to Library Services, we do not routinely keep all acquired materials.
Library Services is carefully and systematically reducing its physical collection to create additional student learning spaces and to address upcoming changes to the campus landscape. As the collection is reviewed and consolidated, we will continue to acquire new print and electronic materials to maintain relevant, responsive, and accessible collections. Students, faculty, staff and the community will continue to have access to resources that support the curriculum and research needs of the University. Library Services will provide regular updates about the project via the project website and campus newsletters. Library Faculty will also work with their liaison departments to communicate about the project.
Questions about the project can be sent to: Libraryproject@mnsu.libanswers.com or Library Administration, 507-389-5952
- Librarians have adopted a 20/10 threshold for this project. That means we have identified materials that have not been checked out in the past 20 years (this includes not pulled off the shelf, scanned, or reshelved), as well as those that have never been circulated and have been in the collection for 10 or more years for reduction.
- During this project, the library will likely have empty shelves in parts of the collection.
- Memorial Library is an important component of our future campus plans. When Armstrong Hall is replaced with a building that has a smaller footprint, space in Memorial Library will help meet the classroom needs for the University.
- Deselection occurs regularly at all libraries, including within Memorial Library. Our current accelerated reduction plan follows appropriate professional protocols and responds to current Library & Learning and University goals.
- An initial phase will be implemented on a section of the General Collection and will begin at the start of spring semester 2023. The pilot will inform the development of a timeline for the overall reduction process.
- Materials disposal will follow Minnesota State procedures, which include offering to departments and other Minnesota State Campuses, selling, donating, and disposal or recycling.
- There will be opportunities for campus feedback on the deselection of resources. Watch for communication from Library Faculty throughout the project.
- Library Faculty will work with their liaison departments to communicate about the project.
- We will not accept gift book donations for the General Collection for the duration of the project.
- Special collections may accept gift materials during this time. Donating materials to Library Services Special Collections.
- Visit Giving to the Library to learn more about how to support Library Services.
