| Collection Development Policy Prior Health Sciences Library The Ohio State University Editor: Lynda Jones Hartel, Collection Development & Resource Management Librarian Revised 10/2004 Contents A. Introduction/History A.1 Clientele A.2 Curriculum A.3 Research Programs A.4 Special Collections: 2. History Collection 3. Consumer Health Collection A.5 Other: 1) Closed Reserve Collection A.6 Participation of Faculty in Collection Development B. Nature of the Subject Literature C. Nature of the Collection C.1 Reference C.2 Monographs C.3 Serials C.4 Intentionally Unclassified Collections: 1.) Anatomical Models in Closed Reserve Collection 2.) Old Exams and Recommended Articles in Closed Reserve Collection C.5 Non-LC Classified Collections: 1.) Government Documents D. Scope of Collecting Activity D.1 Subject Coverage D.2 Access to the Collection D.3 Subjects Excluded D.4 The Ohio State University Libraries Overlaps/Underlaps D.5 Language Coverage D.6 Chronological Period Covered D.7 Chronological Publication Period Covered D.8 Geographical Areas Covered D.9 Gifts E. Related Resources Pertaining Specifically to this Collection E.1 The Ohio State University Resources Outside the Libraries E.2 Local Resources E.3 Cooperative Agreements F. Future Collection Plans F.1 New and Expanding Curriculum Programs at The Ohio State University F.2 New and Expanding Areas of Research at The Ohio State University F.3 Changing Issues Related to Health/Hospital Care F.4 Consumer Health Collections and Services F.5 Collecting and Accessing Electronic Resources A. Introduction The John A. Prior Health Sciences Library evolved from a small collection of books in 1846. The following timeline details the growth and development of this collection. 1846-In the spring of 1846, the Willoughby Medical College near Cleveland, Ohio transferred to Columbus. This college was to become The Ohio State University College of Medicine. The medical school's first session was held in a large frame building originally called the Clay Club House on State Street. Half of this wooden structure was then moved to the northwest corner of Gay and High Streets. Under the classroom amphitheater were three small rooms. One of these rooms held a few books that had been transferred with the school. These materials, bearing their original bookplates, are currently housed in the Coleman Memorial Alcove. 1850-As the school expanded a new building was needed. In 1850-1851, St. Francis Hospital was constructed (where Grant Hospital is currently located) to house a new hospital and the medical school under one roof. Due to lack of funding the Library remained unfinished until 1887 when additional funding became available. 1851-1907-The book collection continued to grow with the merger of three medical schools: Starling Medical College, Ohio Medical University, and Columbus Medical College. The new college, the Starling-Ohio Medical College was organized in 1907. 1914-To the surprise of the medical faculty, as legislation was being prepared to finally recognize this merged medical school, an amendment was adopted to establish a College of Homeopathic Medicine through a merger with the Cleveland-Pulte Medical College. 1922-The controversial homeopathy school closed. Their collection of over 1800 volumes became part of the Library collection. Eventually housed at University Library, this homeopathy collection was moved to remote storage in 1992. 1925-The Medical Reference Library (later called the Health Center Library) was moved into 1188 sq. ft. on the first floor of Hamilton Hall. Space for storing less-frequently used material was acquired in the Main Library, its Annex, a basement room in Hamilton Hall, and the headquarter building of The Ohio Tuberculosis Association at 1575 Neil Avenue. The use of library materials was maintained by a messenger service. 1934-The Library maintained 18,500 monographic volumes and subscribed to 164 journal titles in the fields of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and optometry. 1947-The Albert D. Frost Collection in the Department of Ophthalmology came under the direction of the Health Center Library. 1948-Members of The Columbus Academy of Medicine were given privileges at the Health Center Library. 1951-Construction of an addition to Hamilton Hall allowed the scattered collection to be returned to one building. Floor space was increased to 6890 sq. ft. 1954-The library at Children's Hospital came under the direction of the Health Center Library. 1955-1957-The Lionel Topaz Memorial Library in the School of Optometry and the medical reading room of University Hospital came under the direction of the Health Center Library. 1959-Holdings were enhanced by the donation to the University of approximately 8000 medical and 4000 dental books and periodicals by the Columbus Public Library. These volumes had been deposited in the Public Library by the Columbus Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Dental Association, and the Columbus Dental Society. By this date the Library consisted of 67,000 monographic volumes and subscribed to 1,460 journal titles. 1960's-Believing that Library facilities in Hamilton Hall were totally inadequate for the needs of the Library and medical complex, Dr. Richard L. Meiling, Dean of the Medical College, instigated a search for funding a new library facility. A grant was obtained through the National Institutes of Health. A stipulation for funding required that innovative technology be included in the construction of the building. Dr. Meiling, Hugh Atkinson, Director of University Libraries, and Mr. Curtis, architect, decided to invest $800,000 in an automated book storage system called the Randtriever (named after the company which developed it). 1972-The new Health Sciences Library, at 376 West 10th Avenue, was completed at a cost of $5 million and was designed to accommodate 1,250 users. Most of the collection, 120,000 volumes, was placed in random order in the Randtriever (RT). 1973-As it was apparent that the RT could not handle the mechanical stress of retrieving items, heavily used materials were pulled out of the RT. Books were placed on the third floor and journals were placed on the second floor. 1984-Dr. William Studer, Director of University Libraries, and Elizabeth Sawyers, Director of the Health Sciences Library, reached an agreement to have acquisition funds transferred to the Health Sciences Library. Cataloging processing continued to be done at Main Library. 1987-Due to cost increases and difficulty in maintaining a current optometry collection, the Topaz collection merged with the Health Sciences Library. Although several reference books were left in Fry Hall at the request of faculty to maintain a reading room collection, approximately 4,000 volumes were moved to the Health Sciences Library. 1988-The library building was dedicated the John A. Prior Health Sciences Library on November 1, 1988. Dr. Prior, a respected colleague and teacher, had chaired the committee responsible for coordinating the construction of the Library in the 1970's. 1991-Maintenance costs for maintaining the RT became prohibitive and equipment failure was extremely high. Library staff began to evaluate methods to empty the RT and house the collection. 1992-On August 1, 1992 the outside maintenance contract for the RT was discontinued and on August 23, 1992 the RT shut down. In the following months the collection was manually removed from the RT, sorted by call number order, and transferred to remote storage on Goodale Avenue or placed on new shelving in the Library. The very last book removed from the RT was, Orthoptics: A Discussion of Binocular Anomalies. Approximately 103,000 volumes were sent to Goodale during this project. A courier began providing daily delivery of materials to and from this remote facility. The Library’s total collection consisted of approximately 200,000 volumes, with approximately 2,000 journal titles. 1993-Funding is approved for the Library renovation which is scheduled to be finished in the Fall of 1996. Work to be done includes removing the RT, utilizing the first floor, expanding computer resources, adding greater shelving space for collections, and further developing the Library's Medical Heritage Center. 1995-The Jesse Owens Recreation Center South, 175 West 11th Avenue, is transformed into temporary housing for Library collections, staff, and services while the Prior Library is renovated. Journal volumes dated prior to 1960 and books published prior to 1970 were shipped from the Goodale storage facility to the new Book Depository on Kenny Road. 1995-The Prior Health Sciences Library reopened in the Fall, 1995. Several ceremonies took place in late 1995 and early 1996 to recognize the improvements made to the Library. The number of volumes in the collection at this time was approximately 140,000. A.1 Clientele The primary clientele served by the Prior Health Sciences Library are the students, faculty, and staff of the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Optometry; the School of Allied Medical Professions; University Hospitals, The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, and The Nisonger Center for Mental Retardation and other Developmental Disabilities. Additional OSU clientele often served by The Health Sciences Library include the students, faculty, and staff of the Colleges of Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The staff and faculty of affiliated hospitals such as Children's Hospital and University Hospitals East (Formerly Park Medical Center, acquired in 1999) also use the Library. Students and staff from many other OSU colleges use the Library on an as-needed basis to obtain health-related information. Non-OSU clients include members of the Ohio medical, legal, and business communities patients and visitors of all OSU hospitals; students from other colleges and universities; and members of the general public seeking health-related information. A.2 Curriculum College of Medicine The College of Medicine offers a Doctorate of Medicine program as well as Doctor of Philosophy programs in nearly every aspect of medicine. They also offer various short-term post-baccalaureate programs and Master of Science degrees. Residency training follows completion of the general Doctor of Medicine degree, with 26 residency training programs offered. Examples of subject areas for the Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Residency include: Anatomy, Anesthesiology, Cell Biology, Internal Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Pharmacology. A Public Health program is also currently offered. School of Allied Medical Professions The School of Allied Medical Professions presently has 8 programs offering the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Professions. These areas are: Circulation Technology, Medical Dietetics (being phased out), Health Information Management (formerly medical record administration), Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Therapy. Students and professionals who have completed work in one of these departments can work on a Master of Science in areas such as Education, Management, Gerontology, Biomedical Computing, Clinical Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, or Physical Therapy. College of Nursing Degrees offered through the College of Nursing are Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy. Nurse practitioner training is an integral part of many tracks in the Master of Science program. Specialization tracks are available in Adult Health and Illness Nursing, Parent-Child Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, and Community Health Nursing. The focus of the PhD program is the development and testing of theories that affect health states. College of Dentistry The professional program in the College of Dentistry leads to the degree Doctor of Dental Surgery. Master of Science degrees are offered in Dental Anesthesiology, Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. The College of Dentistry also offers a curriculum in dental hygiene leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. College of Optometry The professional program in the College of Optometry leads to the Doctor of Optometry degree. The Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Physiological Optics are offered as are postgraduate programs in various areas of optometric practice. A.3 Research Programs Research is conducted by the faculty, staff, and students across all programs and medical center departments. College of Medicine The College of Medicine actively supports laboratory and clinical research in a variety of areas. Current areas of research include biomedical engineering, health care delivery innovation, epidemiology, immunology, virology, oncology, molecular biology, neuroimmunology, neurooncology, movement disorders, experimental pathology, traumatic brain injury, and electromyography. A complete animal research facility as well as facilities for research in the clinical areas and biomedical engineering are maintained. Faculty from the College of Medicine work closely with faculty from the Cleveland Clinic and with faculty from other University departments. School of Allied Health Professions Current research in the Allied Health Professions includes food management, balance testing and gait, child abuse and neglect, extracorporeal support, geriatric work, and massage therapy. College of Nursing The study of individuals, families and communities, and their experiences of health and illness is ongoing in the College of Nursing. This research includes the health of homeless persons and in-home health care. College of Dentistry Current research in the College of Dentistry includes immunology, inflammation, neurobiology, implantology, materials science, and health delivery systems. College of Optometry The College of Optometry is most recognized for research in ocular physiology . Related research includes measuring the consumption of oxygen by the cornea, its production of carbon dioxide, and determining the components of human tears. Research in the area of improving the wearing of contact lenses is also conducted. Nisonger Center Researchers at the Nisonger Center are currently working on developmental disabilities prevention, early childhood occupational therapy, posture and fine motor assessment of infants, and parent-child social and communicative development. OSU Medical Center Researchers at OSU Medical Center work cooperatively with researchers from the James and the various health sciences center colleges. Current research includes anesthesiology, cardiac catheterization, osteoporosis, urinary tract infections, myocardial infarction, digital imaging, pneumonia, diabetes, AIDS, meningitis, growth hormone, various transplantations, echocardiography, respiratory distress, sleep disorders, gynecologic oncology, and fertility control. Comprehensive Cancer Center & James Cancer Center The Comprehensive Cancer Center, housed in the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute and Wiseman Hall, operates 26 laboratories and works in partnership with University departments and other research centers in Ohio to reduce the incidence of cancer and provide effective treatment for patients with cancer. Established research programs include: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; cancer chemoprevention; cancer prevention and control; developmental therapeutics; head and neck oncology; hormones and cancer; immunology; molecular biology; molecular, cellular, carcinogenesis and epidemiology; neuro-oncology; pediatric oncology; RNA Oncogenic Virus; urologic oncology. Two developing research programs are radioimmunoguided surgery and human cancer genetics. A.4 Special Collections 1. History Collection Sarah J. Coleman began this collection on November 15, 1913 with a donation of the personal medical library of her late husband, Dr. Nathaniel Coleman, a leader of the Central Ohio medical profession. The collection originally consisted of 538 volumes, a few rare books, and $500 cash. Mrs. Coleman's sister, Marietta Comly, contributed $500 in 1922 and $1,500 in 1933 to bring the endowment to $2,500. By 1933, 215 historical books were added to the original collection. In 1995, the Library received a $300,000 gift from the Academy of Medicine of Columbus and Franklin County Foundation. This money, together with additional financial gifts has been used to establish the Medical Heritage Center. The purpose of this Center is to preserve Central Ohio’s medical collections and to centralize resources. The uniqueness of the history collection attracts researchers throughout Ohio as well as OSU patrons. Historical materials are added to the online catalog as they are placed in this growing collection, which currently numbers 5,224. Specific historical items include: Dental Materials On permanent loan from the Dr. John Harris Dental Museum Foundation in Bainbridge, Ohio is an important collection of dental books and journals. These materials were collected at the first dental school in the United States. Medical Artifacts The Medical Archives Committee of the College of Medicine was instrumental in having many items donated to the college. Individual donors also add items to this portion of the collection. Included are blood-letting instruments, probes, medical saddle bags, bedpans, and a Civil War doctor's kit. The Library is participating, along with other Ohio medical libraries, in a National Library of Medicine grant to catalog medical artifacts. Medical Coins A set of medical coins were held in trust by the Ohio National Bank until 1975 and then given to Dr. George Kahn, College of Medicine, for the Coleman Memorial Alcove. This collection was appraised at $729.75 in 1975. A second collection of medical coins was donated to the Library in 1990. Created by the Medical Heritage Society, this special collection of "medical firsts" is housed in the Library's safe. Moulages In 1986, 11 moulages were donated to the Library by the Department of Dermatology. These wax models, used in Europe during the 19th century to teach medical students how to identify venereal diseases, were made in 1876-1893 in Sonneburg, Germany. It is thought that this collection was brought to the University during World War II in an effort to protect them from Hitler's destruction. Optometry Materials When the Topaz Library closed in 1987, this collection of unique optometry books were added to the Coleman Alcove. Donated by Dr. Richard Hall and Dr. Charles Sheard, these materials were given to the Optometry Department to exemplify the developments in the field of optometry. Photographs In 1991 a collection of photographs depicting the history of The Ohio State University Medical Complex was begun. This collection includes photos found during the renovation of Hamilton Hall and contributions from Ms. Jane Sedgwick, retired editing manager, College of Medicine Journal. Zollinger Collection In 1993, following the death of prominent OSU surgeon Dr. Robert Zollinger, materials from his private collection were donated to the Library. This collection, consisting of approximately 164 linear feet of archival materials, is being evaluated and organized in preparation for placement in the history collection. 2. Consumer Health Collection The consumer health resources and related professional library staff are available in the Library for Health Information in the Atrium, 5th floor, OSU Medical Center. A.5 Other 1. Closed Reserve Collection Materials designated by faculty as course-related are placed in the Closed Reserve Collection. Items on Closed Reserve include: textbooks, licensing examination preparation books, old exam materials and photocopied articles (see Section C.4), anatomical models (see Section C.4),and audiotapes. Textbooks and examination preparation books needed but not already in the collection will generally be purchased. Circulation staff members who coordinate the Closed Reserve operations work closely with the Collection Development Librarian to see that new items are rush-ordered and/or processed and placed on Closed Reserve in a timely manner. Closed Reserve staff routinely review usage of this collection and remove items no longer currently used or assigned. Materials taken off Closed Reserve are placed in the circulating collection. In 1999, Library staff began making many (formerly) print-only reserve items available in an electronic format for improved access. A.6 Participation of Faculty in Collection Development Members of the Health Sciences Library Advisory Committee and the College of Medicine Library Committee advise the Library on collection development issues. The Library Director (and Collection Development Librarian as needed) meet regularly with these groups. Faculty routinely recommend monograph and serial titles as well as electronic resources to the Collection Development Librarian. Monographs recommended in this manner are generally purchased. Serial recommendations are considered by the Collection Development Librarian and other Library staff. Electronic product recommendations are evaluated, considered and generally added to the collection (see policy on electronic resources). Faculty are generous in their donation of monographs and serials. The Colleges and Medical Center have provided very generous finances on an as-needed basis in support of specific electronic and print collections. B. Nature of the Subject Literature The literature of the health sciences covers as many subject areas as the number of research topics listed above. The varied hospital departments and educational programs offered at the OSU Health Sciences Center make it the most comprehensive medical center in the country. Combined with this fact are the constant changes in medical science that make collection development in these areas a great challenge. Journal literature is the primary source of information for the Library's clientele. The need for current, up-to-date information for patient care, research, and classroom discussions is vital. Monographs are also important to the collection, used for course assignments, research projects, and hospital staff continuing education. Electronic resources offered through the Library, specifically research databases and electronic journals are heavily used. C. Nature of the Collections In 1995, approximately 50,000 volumes from the Library were moved to the University Book Depository. As of 1999, the in-house collection now consists of approximately 170,000 volumes. The physical condition of materials in the current collection is quite good considering how heavily they are utilized. Some pieces in the history collection are boxed for protection. The in-house Technical Services staff provide support for handling material repairs and bindery preparation. C.1 Reference The Reference Collection contains specialized and general biographies, dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, and statistical sources that are shelved separately and proceed the general reference collection. The general reference collection is comprised of approximately 2,500 current, specialized textbooks and handbooks in the various health sciences. Titles concerning current standards and guidelines of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, World Health Organization, and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are kept in this area of the collection. Reference librarians and the Collection Development Librarian make the final decision as to what is included in this collection. Brandon-Hill and other recommendation lists, librarian recommendations, and suggestions from Library patrons are strongly considered when making purchasing decisions for this area. The reference collection is constantly updated with new editions of standard reference tools. The core pieces of this collection are those materials published in the past five years only, making the most current health sciences information readily available to all Library users. Electronic and print indexes/abstracts are also considered to be part of the reference collection. All databases can be accessed from home or office by OSU users. In addition to the local and statewide systems, librarians and users alike are using a variety of Internet resources as reference tools. The Library's homepage (http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu) is often used as an initial means of linking to Internet information. (See Appended Electronic Resources Collection Development Policy for further information). C.2 Monographs Monographs purchased include materials relevant to all areas of the human health sciences. An analysis of 1998-1999 expenditures indicated spending was greatest in the areas of physiology, cardiology, surgery, oncology, and neurology. The majority of our monographs are purchased through our main monograph vendor, Matthews Medical Books. Librarian and patron recommendations, publisher's flyers, and published reviews are used when making additions to this collection. Materials written by OSU authors are generally purchased. As a general rule, one copy of a title will be purchased. Duplicates are purchased on occasion and at the discretion of the collection development librarian. Hardback materials are generally selected but paperbacks are increasingly selected for those areas of the collection not as heavily used and where cost dictates otherwise. Monographs added to the reference collection are regularly evaluated for withdrawal or placement in the regular circulating collection. Circulating monographs are periodically reviewed and considered for withdrawal. Criteria for withdrawal include the usage of the item, availability of later editions or electronic formats, and the physical condition of the item. C.3 Serials The serial collection is the primary source of information in the Library. The Library currently receives 3,014 titles, including those available in electronic format. Approximately 250 serial titles in the collection are donations. Interlibrary loan borrowing statistics and faculty/departmental research needs and suggestions are used in developing this collection. Priority is given to those publications indexed in Index Medicus, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Science Citation Index. Serials are purchased primarily to support the teaching and research needs of Health Sciences Center clientele. Each year in the spring, an evaluation of the serials collection is conducted. New serial titles are generally purchased each year and it is often necessary to offset these purchases with cancellations. Serials are evaluated based on: usage, relevance to the Health Sciences Center, inclusion in major indexes, duplication of the title in an electronic format, duplication of the title elsewhere at The Ohio State University, duplication of the title at OhioLINK locations, demand by individuals and departments, ISI Impact Factors, and subscription costs. C.4 Intentionally Unclassified Collections 1. Anatomical Models and Old Tests A number of anatomical models and learning tools as well as old tests used in classes at The OSU Health Sciences Center are kept on closed reserve. All tests and some models have been donated by faculty to the Library. Library staff monitor use of the anatomical models and periodically purchase new materials to supplement this popular collection. C.5 Non-LC Collections 1. Government Documents Organized by their Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) number, this print and microfiche collection consists of items published by the Department of Health and Human Services. Most items remain in this collection for the nationally required five years. This collection, consisting of monographs and serials, is sent on a routine basis from OSU Main Library, which serves as a selected depository library. Many items are pulled from these shipments and cataloged to be added to the regular LC collection. This collection is weeded on an annual basis. The electronic availability of many health-related documents is reducing the number of print and microform documents in our collection. D. Scope of Collecting Activity The following LC classifications are significant to the collection: QH (Genetics, reproduction, bioethics) QP (Physiology) QR (Microbiology, immunology, virology) R (General Medicine, medical education, medical history) RA (Public Health, epidemiology, preventative medicine, health administration) RB (Pathology, pain management) RC (Internal Medicine, oncology, neurology, psychiatry...) RD (Surgery) RE (Ophthalmology, optometry) RG (Obstetrics and Gynecology) RK (Dentistry) RL (Dermatology) RM (Pharmacology and Therapeutics) RT (Nursing) D.2 Access to the Collection OSCAR, The OSU online catalog, is the primary means of access to the collection. OSCAR is available from every library at the University as well as remotely from home or office. Many resources are also available through the OhioLINK Web site and online catalog. D.3 Subjects Excluded Related subjects generally excluded from the collection include: A. Veterinary medicine B. Pharmaceutical development C. Child health and education D. Psychological development E. Agricultural science D.4 OSU Libraries Overlaps/Underlaps The Health Sciences Library collection overlaps with the following OSU libraries: A. Biological Sciences/Pharmacy (pharmacology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics) B. Children's Hospital (pediatrics) C. Education, Human Ecology, Psychology & Social Work (neurology, psychology, nutrition) D. English, Theatre & Communications (audiology, speech & hearing disorders) E. Law (medical malpractice, AIDS, health care reform) F. MAIN Library (history of medicine/science) G. Science & Engineering (biochemistry, bioengineering) H. Veterinary Medicine (laboratory animals, anatomy, parasites) I. Women's Studies (women's health) Areas where there are gaps in the OSU collections due to multi-disciplinary research and multiple collection locations include: environmental health, neurochemistry, neuropsychology, biotechnology, and bioengineering. No single library selects in these areas. D.5 Language Coverage English is the primary language of this collection. D.6 Chronological Period Covered All chronological periods are covered. D.7 Chronological Publication Period Covered All chronological periods are collected. The oldest item in the collection is dated 1649. As is the case with most scientific libraries, emphasis is placed on current, timely information. D.8 Geographical Areas Covered Most items in this collection concern the United States. An increasing number of British and Asian-oriented publications are being added to the collection. Many of these items concern public health, communicable diseases, and alternative health care methods. D.9 Specific Materials Solicited as Gifts but not Purchased Materials solicited as gifts include various faculty and departmental publications, missing journal issues, library journal exchange titles, and private donations of monographs, videotapes, and historical artifacts/archives. Donations are subject to the standard selection criteria and procedures of the library. Donated materials not added to the collection will often be made available to other libraries or sold in book sales. The Library will acknowledge receipt of donations but, according to law, cannot appraise donated collections. E. Related Resources Pertaining Specifically to the Subject/Location Collection E.1 OSU Resources Outside the Libraries Referrals are often made to various college/hospital department collections for specific hospital-based information needs. E.2 Cooperative Agreements Reciprocal borrowing agreements exist with Chemical Abstracts Service, Battelle Labs, OhioLINK, CIC (Big 10) libraries, GMR libraries (Greater Midwest Region of The National Library of Medicine), The State Library of Ohio, and The Cleveland Clinic. F. General Future Collection Plans/Problems to be Addressed 1. Subject areas that are becoming increasingly important to the Library's clientele include: public health, epidemiology, biotechnology, genetics, and the neurosciences. Collections and educational programs in these areas are growing. 2. The need for accurate and timely consumer health information continues to be recognized. Patients, educators, and students all look for information on various alternative and complementary therapies. The Library works closely with staff at the Center for Health Information at the University Medical Center to meet the needs of these patrons. 3. As more resources are made available in non-print formats, additional funding sources for electronic equipment must be identified. OhioLINK and University initiatives are driving the Library to make quick and efficient decisions regarding electronic journals, databases, and Internet resources. Selecting, evaluating, acquiring, and accessing these resources are just some of the challenges faced by Library staff. Collection Development Policy for Electronic Resources Prior Health Sciences Library The Ohio State University Editor: Lynda Jones Hartel, Collection Development & Technical Services Librarian Revised 12/99 Introduction This policy covers electronic resources purchased for use by clientele and does not cover resources purchased for library staff use. The Library's collection of electronic resources will consist of bibliographic/textual databases, multi-media resources, full-text journals and books, and related items. Providing access to (free) government documents are included in this policy. The Collection Development & Technical Services Librarian will evaluate/update this policy every two years or as needed. Scope These materials must fit within the subject scope of the print collection, as stated in the Library's general collection development policy. Only English language materials will be considered and emphasis will be placed on current materials with back files selected as needed. In most cases, duplication of OhioLINK resources will not be considered; exceptions will be made as needed. Clientele Like the print collections, these materials must meet the educational, research, and patient care information needs of the Health Sciences Center community including faculty, staff, students, and patients. Access These resources can be accessed online via the Internet or cd-rom. The decision to select specific products will depend on the projected use, hardware requirements, equipment availability, licensing requirements and other access issues. Preference will be given to those resources available via the Internet as this method provides the greatest access. Access will be IP-based whenever possible. The Collection Development & Technical Services Librarian will act as resource administrator, coordinating the acquisition, licensing, and access details. As with print materials, these electronic resources will be cataloged and reflected in OSCAR. From the Library's homepage, links will be provided to a select group of high quality, popular databases and full-text books. Decisions regarding these links will often be made by the Library's Electronic Services Committee. Selection Criteria All Library patrons and staff may give suggestions for acquisition to the Collection Development & Technical Services Librarian. Resources will often be tested, evaluated, and recommended by: The Collection Development Librarian; other librarians-according to their collection development and other job responsibilities; the Electronic Services Committee; Health Sciences Center faculty, staff, and students as appropriate; and Library staff. Several evaluation points and access issues will be considered before acquiring these resources. Evaluation Points Materials will be previewed and evaluated based on the following considerations: 1. Appropriate for placement in the Library, not better suited for office use. 2. Meets the needs of the Library's primary clientele. 3. A demonstrated demand for this product or the print equivalent. 4. Positive published evaluations/references regarding the product. 5. User friendliness. 6. Ability to use keyword and boolean searching when appropriate. 7. Screen layout quality. 8. Availability of full text, full image, tables and figures, etc... 9. Success of the print equivalent. 10. Advantages of the electronic edition over the print edition. 11. Licensing requirements should meet OSU requirements or be amended to meet our needs. 12. Duplication (or planned access) on OhioLINK. 13. Vendor reputation. 14. Vendor service and assistance when needed. 15. Search speed. 16. Availability of printed support materials. 17. Relatively few security issues. 18. Cost of this product, compared to similar resources. Equipment/Budgetary Needs 1. Equipment needed to provide access should be readily available. 2. Most electronic Items can be purchased and added to the Library collection at any time during the year. Library acquisitions funding should be used. If the Library's acquisition budget will not support the product, consider requesting funding support from other departments in the Health Center. Staff/User Training Issues Resources may be very user-friendly and require little staff/user training. When training is necessary, consider: a. Providing training for all public services staff. b. Consider whenever possible having vendors/publishing company representatives conduct training. c. Consider having librarians conduct training if vendors are not available. d. Consider offering end-user training or support documentation as needed. 1/96 Approved by Electronic Services Committee & Lynda Hartel, Collection Development and Technical Services Librarian Revised 12/99 LH | 
