Retention
A title is retained in the active collection when it meets the following criteria: high quality and, where appropriate, currency of content; continuing relevance to instructional programs and research interests; evidence of use; adequate physical condition.
Repair
A title is repaired when wear and damage is not too great, and when the library holds a single copy that cannot be replaced, either because it is out of print or too expensive.
Replacement
A title is replaced when it meets all the criteria for retention except that of physical condition. Worn and damaged titles are discarded and replaced as funds and circumstances dictate.
Storage
The library no longer maintains a storage area for any materials.
Discard & Withdrawal
A title is withdrawn when it meets one or more of the following criteria: the content is outdated or superseded by newer titles on the same topic; the content is no longer relevant to current curricula or research interests; there is evidence of little or no previous use; physical condition is poor.
Electronic Resources
Electronic resources are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Librarians gather statistics on database and electronic resources usage and compile them in the Dashboard Statistics report. These statistics aid the Librarians in determining the usage patterns of individual databases, ejournals, and ebooks. Those with little use may be discontinued if there are few compelling reasons to keep the subscription.
Digitization
Bank Street College follows the U.S. Copyright Law and the practices of most of the universities in the U.S. for digitizing materials in the Library collection.
For films
- The DVDs that we have in our collection generally have an implicit license for “home use only,” which we expand via the TEACH act to classroom showing only.
- For streaming licenses, films are generally “leased” for a period of time, unless a perpetual license (usually “for the life of the file”) is purchased. If a DVD title is available for Library purchase on a streaming platform, we pursue those licenses. The library cannot subscribe to commercial streaming platforms (e.g. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.).
- In a case of VHS content (considered an obsolete format), for which no alternative exists and no rights-holders can be found, we may digitize a copy of the film, make the digital copy available for streaming, and store the VHS.
For books
- We can permit the digitization of less than 20 percent of a book for inclusion in class modules of Canvas.
- We do not digitize whole books