Educational Resource Center: Collection Development Policy

The ERC serves the needs of the Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development, as well as the related needs of researchers and students in the social sciences. The ERC bibliographers select materials based on user requests, curricular needs, social justice, diversity, and knowledge of the discipline. The bibliographer collaborates with the School of Education and Human Development community and purchases requests by faculty and students whenever possible. 

Reflection and Positionality for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

The selector examines their position to identify gaps in knowledge and experience that could hinder purchasing materials that represent a diverse population. The intention of the selector is to engage in ongoing reflection and learning in order to select materials that represent the wide diversity of the human experience, including diverse cultures, beliefs, languages, abilities, and experiences, and to reflect that diversity within the collection.

• The selector has acknowledged and locates their views, values, and beliefs in relation to the selection and collection process.
• The selector examines and reflects upon the roots and impacts of implicit bias when selecting materials.
• The selector centers an ethic of care when examining materials that reflect cultures, languages, or thoughts different from their own.

Discipline Scope and Collecting Emphasis

Teaching, curricular, research, and practitioner support for faculty and students support are the primary goals. Education as a discipline cuts across other subject areas including but not limited to:

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Linguistics
• Science

The depth and breadth of selected disciplinary areas collected depend on the School of Education and Human Development's areas of research and curricular needs.

Format Selection

Format decision follows the General Collection Development Policy of Boston College Libraries. We also consider accessibility needs, patron preferences, curricular needs, and other factors.

Language

The majority of the selections are for English language material. Due to the English Language Learning (ELL) and Dual Language programs, world language, bilingual, and translated materials collected in the language of schools LSEHD partners with for practicums. Also collected are cultural language exemplars like African-American Vernacular English and Spanglish.

Currency

The material selection focuses on current materials published within the last five years. Retrospective acquisitions are made following changes to the curriculum or other specific needs.

Retention of Materials

Retention follows the General Collection Development Policy.

Acceptance of Gifts

Gifts are accepted according to the General Gifts Policy. Patrons wishing to donate materials should contact the Head Librarian, Jessica Hinson-Williams, at jessica.hinson-williams@bc.edu.