Recent technological innovations have altered collection development
practices. Although Hutchins Library aims to provide access to
needed material regardless of format, it prefers the specific
formats designated below. Whenever possible, Hutchins Library
replaces lost, damaged, or worn items in the preferred format.
Monographs
Print is currently the preferred monograph format. While hardback
editions are preferred to paperbacks, price and anticipated use
guide binding selection.
Hutchins Library holds e-books. The majority of the works held
in this format are collected through Berea’s association
with the Appalachian
College Association’s Central Library,
but the library does pay for and/or subscribe to some e-book
collections on its own. Licensing agreements limit use of these
resources to the Berea College Community only.
As appropriate, digital monographs in HTML format or Portable
Document Files (PDF) are included in BANC, Hutchins Library’s
online catalog. These works are free electronic access to purchased
print items, government documents, public domain materials, open
access resources, or NGO (non-government organizations) reports
that support the curriculum.
Periodicals and Newspapers
Journals are collected in print and digital formats. While many
periodicals are held and retained in print, a growing segment
of the collection is digital, primarily in the form of online
collections obtained individually or via cooperative agreements.
Future purchases of individual publications in digital formats
are a possibility. A few publications are purchased in microform
only.
Regional, national and international newspapers are collected
in print and digital format. Hutchins Library subscribes to individual
publications and to databases via cooperative agreements and
via direct subscriptions. Archival newspaper resources are either
microform or online databases.
Audio Recordings
Compact disc (CD) is the preferred medium for audio recordings.
Audiocassettes may be purchased if this is the only available
format. Hutchins Library does not collect books on tape. Although
the phonograph record collection is maintained, there are no
plans to increase holdings in this format.
Video Recordings
DVD in format one (1) is the preferred medium for video recordings.
VHS recordings in NTSC format may be purchased if this is the
only available format. Formats other than NTSC are not collected.
Video recordings with non-theatrical performance rights are
preferred even if the cost is higher. Home-use-only video recordings
are acquired if non-theatrical rights are not available. Home-use-only
videos may be viewed in a class or in an individual’s home
or dorm room, but may be viewed in Hutchins Library only by students
registered in a course specifying the video. Films are not acquired
because of their high maintenance costs.
Sheet Music
Hutchins Library does not normally purchase individual sheet
music.
