The University Library is not accepting any gifts-in-kind materials donations meant for the circulating collection until June 1, 2023, while we complete a major collection management project. Gifts or rare books, archival materials, or other special collections are still being accepted. You may discuss any potential gift of special collections materials with Wil Weston, the Head of Collection Development.

General Guidelines

Principles

• The Library supports SDSU students' general, cultural, and intellectual formation through its collections.
• The Library adheres to these principles expressed in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights. "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
• Student learning and research are our priority. San Diego State University Library collections provides the information resources necessary to carry out the University's teaching programs and to support the research of its students and faculty.
• Collections supports the work of staff engaged in University business.

Selection

• How does the Library select materials?
  • SDSU librarians select materials for student use in specific areas of study. The Library allocates specific funds to purchase books, journals, databases, and information sources. Librarians are careful stewards of these funds and avoid duplication and unnecessary expenditures. 
• What does the collections team do?
  • The collections team consults with teaching faculty to select the highest quality online research and teaching resources for the SDSU community. We use a data-driven selection process that considers usage statistics as well as curricular and research needs of students and faculty. 

Acquisitions

• How does Library purchase resources?
  • Funding for acquisitions comes from many sources. These include annual appropriation of funds from the University to the Library and income from Library endowments. These are supplemented by gifts and grants. 
• How may I add something to the library collection?
  • Any member of the University community (students, faculty, staff, etc.) may recommend acquisitions may be recommended by any member of the academic community using a request form. 
• What formats are purchased? 
  • Acquisitions may be in a wide variety of formats. The advantages of the format, the rights to use the material (digital rights management for streaming videos, copyright, etc), cost, storage, access, and preservation concerns are all factors in format selection.

 For more information on SDSU collections, please consult the Collection Development Policy and the Collection Development Diversity Statement.