University, college and school libraries where students and teaching activities are held are collectively called Academic libraries. According to the definition given by the UK Library Association, academic libraries in educational institutions mean – “University libraries, University colleges and institutions which are part of or affiliated to Universities and other institutions where higher education is provided and where students are”.

University library book selection:

The selection of books in a university library depends on the purpose of the library. The main objective of every university is to seek knowledge, encourage research and disseminate knowledge through research results. Curriculum materials are selected for the subjects to be taught and for conducting the activities. University libraries are one of the things that are encouraged and provide the comprehensive resources and materials needed by researchers. The main objective is to keep alive knowledge and encourage research activities. Whether a university is doing well is evidenced by the functioning of its library. University libraries have always supported higher education. A good library is a symbol of that University reputation.

Selection Policy:

1. The library collection is developed by the university itself. That is, the nature of its collection depends on what type of university is: general, engineering, technical, agricultural, etc.
2. In order to successfully implement university education programs and research work, it’s essential to have high-quality and sufficient books and materials in all subjects. These may include textbooks, reference books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, electronic resources, rare books, and old issues of periodicals. Various materials are necessary to support learning and research activities.
3. A balance should be maintained in the collection of books on all the subjects, i.e., subjects in which the teaching program is in progress. Arrangements should be made for all matters to have the necessary collection.
4. Book selection and collection development are collaborative effort. If necessary, the participation of all, including teachers, researchers, and subject experts, is developed smoothly. That is, the librarian gives priority to everyone’s opinion. Classrooms need to be supplied with essential books suitable for students, as well as teachers with high-quality books—a combination of both forms a suitable collection.
5. The collection of the university library should be done in such a way that the two main functions of the university—teaching and research—are continuously in operation. To keep the collection vibrant, new publications should be added and readership surveys should be conducted to assess readership needs.
6. Collection statistics should be taken by the library as necessary – to determine which subject books in all subjects are being used more, which sections are underutilized, and if new sections are created, sufficient books and other materials should be collected.
7. Entertainment books, temporary arrangements with various materials are necessary for leisure time.
8. A university library collection should build a collection of essential works, which will include: a) Collection for the management of support function; b) adequate collections for coursework; c) general types of materials for general functions; and d) Materials needed for research activities

Finally, it can be said that a university’s reputation depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of its library. In other words, the success of a university is indicated by the efficiency of its library.

Selection of books in College libraries

The main function of the College library is mainly to support the educational programs of the College. We also need to keep up with new informational and entertainment content. Higher education starts from college .So college education is considered important. College provides planned education under specific curriculum. Its main objective is to provide higher education and broaden the scope of knowledge.

Selection Policy:

1. The library’s primary function is to assist with the curriculum. Enough books on the subjects being taught are provided.
2. To meet the needs of the students, high-quality books should be provided for the teachers, along with textbooks suitable for the students and supplementary books.
3. The library should stock textual material as well as stories, novels, poems, plays, etc. by quality authors.
4. The librarian takes an active role in the selection of books for the library but also takes the help of the teachers in various matters if necessary.
5.  Building a core collection is one of its tasks, i.e., quality books should be collected on all subjects so that students and teachers can use them all.
6. College is the first stage of higher education, i.e., higher education, so the librarian should strive to make the collection of the university library make a valuable contribution to the college education.

Selection of School Library Books:

The school library collects books useful to students on various subjects, including school textbooks and beyond. Library materials are selected jointly by the librarian and, if necessary, the class teacher. How to find information from other libraries; Students are trained to use the library in various ways, including preparation of lists of subjects; utility of reading books. The main aim of the library is to keep various books in support of the curriculum, as well as various types of entertaining, informative, motivational, and periodicals suitable for the students. It should range from advanced books for bright students to simple books for slow or lagging students. It is mentioned here that the school library—readers are composed of children, teenagers and upper class readers of the school—should have a comprehensive collection suitable for each stage.

Selection Policy:

1. It is a challenging task for the librarian to be assisted by class teachers and, if necessary, by parents and library stakeholders.
2. Children’s class books have to be selected very carefully because what is taught at a young age reflects in the future.
3. Along with the school curriculum, there are quality books, reference books on a wide variety of subjects, so that enthusiastic students can get comprehensive information on various subjects outside the textbooks.
4. Collections are developed according to the needs of different classrooms and the ages of the students.
5. Highly gifted students will have high level books, while backward students will have suitable reading
6. Collection of quality classics on various subjects.
7. Arrangements should always be made to keep the collection up-to-date.
8. Good binding, quality of paper, illustrations, etc. should be good.
9. Reference books suitable for students, periodicals and other entertaining stories, novels, mystery series, books on life, travel, sports, books on various hobbies and other philosophy, audio material, educational toys, etc. are included in the library collection.

Academic libraries curate a collection of books to meet the needs of their faculty, staff, and students in terms of education and research. This entails choosing materials that support intellectual development, complementing academic curricula, and guaranteeing access to a wide variety of scholarly sources.

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