About CCMS

Collection Development Policy

Scope of Collection

The LRC exists to support the unique academic needs of CCMS students and faculty; therefore, the collection is necessarily narrow in scope. The library acquires materials in a variety of formats that focus on the embalming sciences, funeral directing arts, and other mortuary science-related topics. In addition, the library acquires and maintains a small collection of general education resources.

LRC holdings include:

  • Non-fiction (circulating)
  • Fiction (circulating)
  • Reference
  • Curriculum textbooks
  • NBE study resources (study guides, compends, and flash-cards)
  • Periodicals and Journals related to death care
  • Educational videos
  • Historical assets dating back to the 1800's
  • CCMS Yearbooks (where available)

View the LRC Collection Development Policy

Criteria for Selection

To ensure the collection is relevant and supports the curriculum, the LRC Director collaborates with faculty in selection decisions. In addition, acquisition input may come from student or staff requests. In considering titles for inclusion in the library, the following criteria are used: academic need, individual merit of item, currency, relevancy, existing holdings, and budget. The LRC Director is ultimately responsible for the acquisition and removal of holdings.

Collection Management

To ensure the collection remains current, relevant, and useful, the LRC Director audits holdings regularly. Removal of holdings criteria includes relevancy, currency, usage, and condition. Removed items are donated to local libraries or book resellers where appropriate.

Challenged Materials

The College recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy. Objections to particular items should be reported to the LRC Director.

Gifts

The LRC accepts donations of books and other materials and will determine whether gifts can be utilized and added to holdings.