Lindenwood University Library
(Revised and approved January 2026)
I. Mission Alignment
The University Library advances the mission of Lindenwood University, “Enhancing lives through quality education and professional preparatory experiences” by developing and stewarding a balanced, inclusive, and ethically grounded collection of information resources.
In direct support of this institutional mission, the University Library fulfills its departmental mission of “Supporting students, faculty, and staff through quality resources, innovative programming, and a commitment to excellence in customer service.” Collection development decisions are guided by a student-centered philosophy that recognizes access to high-quality information as essential to academic success, professional readiness, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.
II. Purpose of the Collection Development Policy
This policy provides a transparent, consistent framework for the selection, acquisition, evaluation, maintenance, and deselection of library materials in all formats. It ensures that the University Library’s collections:
- Align with Lindenwood University’s academic programs and strategic priorities
- Support student learning, faculty research, and professional preparation
- Reflect responsible stewardship of institutional resources
- Uphold intellectual freedom and academic inquiry
- Operate in alignment with the Library’s Book Challenge Policy
This policy applies to all materials purchased, licensed, donated, or otherwise made accessible by the University Library.
III. Educational Philosophy and Graduate Attributes
The University Library intentionally develops collections that support Lindenwood University’s graduate attributes by providing access to materials that promote inquiry, reflection, and informed decision-making. Through its collections, the University Library supports students as they develop as:
- Adaptable Problem Solvers who navigate complex and evolving information environments
- Analytical Thinkers who evaluate information critically and thoughtfully
- Effective Communicators who understand disciplinary conventions and evidence-based argumentation
- Ethical Decision Makers who recognize the social, legal, and moral implications of information use
- Responsible Citizens who engage constructively with diverse viewpoints
- Global Advocates who understand cultural, historical, and international contexts
- Lifelong Learners who continue to seek knowledge beyond formal education
Collection development decisions are made with these learning outcomes in mind, ensuring access to diverse, credible, and challenging resources that support both academic achievement and personal growth.
IV. Scope of the Collection
The University Library’s collections are designed to support instruction, research, professional preparation, and intellectual exploration. The collection includes, but is not limited to:
- Print and electronic books
- Scholarly journals and popular periodicals
- Databases, indexes, and datasets
- Streaming media, audio, and video resources
- Government documents
- Archives and special collections
- Open Educational Resources (OER)
- Institutional repository materials
- Technology
- Games and other non-streaming media
- Leisure reading and activity resources
This breadth reflects the Library’s role as both an academic resource and an intellectual commons for the Lindenwood community.
V. Principles of Collection Development
The University Library develops its collections according to the following principles:
- Materials are selected using professional judgment and established criteria
- Collections represent a broad range of scholarly, cultural, and ideological perspectives
- Materials are not excluded, restricted, or removed solely due to controversy or viewpoint
- Format decisions prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and user needs
- Ethical considerations include privacy, data use, and algorithmic impact—inform decisions when relevant
The Library affirms exposure to diverse and sometimes challenging ideas is fundamental to higher education.
VI. Selection Criteria
Library materials are evaluated holistically using criteria including:
- Relevance to Lindenwood University’s academic programs, research, or institutional priorities
- Authority, accuracy, and quality of content
- Currency and anticipated longevity
- Representation of diverse voices and perspectives
- Accessibility and ADA compliance
- Cost, licensing terms, and sustainability
- Usage data and anticipated demand
- Contribution to information literacy, ethical reasoning, or lifelong learning
No single criterion is determinative with selection decisions reflecting a balanced and contextual assessment.
VII. Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Information Practices
As artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies increasingly influence scholarship, professional practice, and civic life, the University Library intentionally includes resources that address both the capabilities and implications of these technologies.
AI-related collection development supports students as Analytical Thinkers, Ethical Decision Makers, and Responsible Citizens by including materials that explore:
- Technical foundations and applications of artificial intelligence
- Ethical, legal, and social implications of AI systems
- Issues of bias, transparency, accountability, privacy, and human impact
- Interdisciplinary and global perspectives on emerging technologies
The University Library does not endorse specific technologies, tools, or viewpoints. Instead, it provides access to balanced, scholarly, and critical resources consistent with Lindenwood University’s educational mission.
VIII. Popular Reading Collection
The University Library maintains a popular reading collection as a purposeful component of its overall collection strategy. This collection supports student engagement, well-being, and lifelong learning by encouraging reading beyond curricular requirements.
Leisure reading materials may include:
- Popular and genre fiction
- Narrative nonfiction
- Graphic novels
- Award-winning and culturally significant titles
These materials are selected based on patron interest, professional reviews, and cultural relevance, and are reviewed regularly for currency and use. Leisure reading materials are governed by the same intellectual freedom principles and reconsideration procedures as all other library materials.
IX. Intellectual Freedom and Challenged Materials
The University Library affirms the principles articulated in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and related policies. The Library maintains that:
- Access to information is fundamental to academic freedom
- Materials are not removed or restricted due to disagreement with content or viewpoint
- Intellectual inquiry requires access to diverse perspectives
Concerns regarding library materials must be addressed through the Library’s formal Book Challenge Policy. Collection development and deselection practices are not substitutes for that process and are never used to suppress ideas.
X. Roles and Responsibilities
- Librarians lead selection, assessment, and deselection activities and collaborate with academic units
- Faculty contribute disciplinary expertise through recommendations and curriculum alignment
- Students may suggest materials through established request processes
- Library Administration oversees strategic priorities, budgets, and policy compliance
Collection development is a collaborative process grounded in professional standards and institutional values.
XI. Resource Stewardship and Budget Allocation
The University Library allocates resources strategically to support all formats identified in this policy. Practices include:
- Prioritizing electronic access where appropriate
- Leveraging consortial purchasing and shared collections
- Using demand-driven and evidence-based acquisition models
- Conducting regular cost-per-use and value assessments
XII. Deselection and Collection Maintenance
Ongoing review ensures the collection remains current, accurate, and accessible. Materials may be withdrawn based on:
- Obsolescence or outdated content
- Low or no use
- Physical condition
- Duplication
- Availability through reliable electronic or consortial access
Deselection decisions are professional, content-neutral, and not driven by ideological disagreement.
XIII. Gifts and Donations
Donated materials are evaluated using the same criteria as purchased materials. The University Library retains the right to decline, dispose of, or relocate gifts as necessary. Appraisals are the responsibility of the donor.
XIV. Assessment and Continuous Improvement
The University Library regularly evaluates its collections using:
- Circulation and usage statistics
- Cost-per-use analysis
- Patron-driven acquisition metrics
- Alignment with program reviews, accreditation standards, and Lindenwood University’s graduate attributes
Assessment results inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
XV. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed biennially to ensure continued alignment with Lindenwood University’s mission, the University Library’s mission, graduate attributes, emerging technologies, professional standards, and the Library’s Book Challenge Policy.
Collection Development Policy Executive Summary
Purpose and Scope
The Lindenwood University Library Collection Development Policy establishes a transparent and principled framework for selecting, acquiring, evaluating, and maintaining library materials in all formats. The policy ensures that library collections support teaching, learning, research, professional preparation, and lifelong learning while upholding intellectual freedom and responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
Mission Alignment
The University Library advances Lindenwood University’s mission, “Enhancing lives through quality education and professional preparatory experiences,” by providing access to high-quality, diverse, and ethically developed information resources. The policy also supports the Library’s mission of “Supporting students, faculty, and staff through quality resources, innovative programming, and a commitment to excellence in customer service.”
Support for Graduate Attributes
Library collections are intentionally developed to support Lindenwood University’s graduate attributes. Through access to scholarly, professional, cultural, and recreational materials, the Library fosters students’ growth as Adaptable Problem Solvers, Analytical Thinkers, Effective Communicators, Ethical Decision Makers, Responsible Citizens, Global Advocates, and Lifelong Learners.
Collection Philosophy
The University Library serves as both a scholarly repository and an intellectual commons. Collections are built using professional judgment and established criteria, representing a wide range of perspectives and disciplines. Materials are not excluded or removed based on controversy, viewpoint, or author background. Exposure to diverse ideas is recognized as essential to higher education.
Scope of the Collection
The Library collects materials in multiple formats, including print and electronic books, journals, databases, media, government documents, archives, open educational resources, and institutional scholarship. A dedicated Popular Reading Collection supports student engagement, wellness, and lifelong reading habits and is governed by the same intellectual freedom principles as academic materials.
Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Information Practices
The policy recognizes the growing importance of artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. The Library intentionally includes resources that address both technical applications and ethical, legal, and social implications of AI, supporting students’ development as ethical decision makers and responsible citizens without endorsing specific technologies or viewpoints.
Intellectual Freedom and Challenged Materials
The University Library affirms the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read principles. Concerns about materials are addressed through the Library’s formal Book Challenge Policy.
Stewardship and Accountability
The Library exercises responsible stewardship through strategic budgeting, consortial purchasing, evidence-based acquisitions, and regular assessment using usage data and cost-per-use analysis. Ongoing review and deselection ensure the collection remains current, relevant, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Governance and Review
The Collection Development Policy is reviewed biennially to ensure alignment with the University mission, graduate attributes, emerging technologies, professional standards, and the Library’s Book Challenge Policy.
