1. Scope
The Libraries serve as a repository and preserver of documentary heritage, while making accessible material which represents the dynamic, cultural, historic and creative output of Hamilton and where appropriate, the wider Waikato region. This includes the iwi boundaries of Raukawa, Maniapoto, Pare Hauraki, and Tainui.
The Rangahau | Reference Library Collection preserves and provides access to published documentary heritage. The primary collecting focus is Hamilton and the greater Waikato region. Material from other areas of New Zealand and International material may be collected if it supports topics of interest to the local community.
The collection is made up of textual or graphic materials including:
-
printed materials such as books, maps, magazines, newspapers
-
the digital equivalents of these
-
audio visual material and other materials are collected where appropriate, but the preference is for longer lasting and non-proprietary physical formats such as paper and microforms.
2. Selection Criteria
The Whakaputu | Special Collections Librarian & Whakaputu | Archives, Reference & Special Collections Manager are responsible for selecting material for the collections. A number of criteria are considered when selecting materials including:
-
whether the author is local
-
the geographic coverage of the material
-
whether the subject material is already adequately covered within the collection
-
how popular the subject material is within the local community
-
the significance or value of the material
-
the format of the material
-
if the material adheres to the relevant collection profile
3. Price and Quantity
Only one copy of each item selected is normally purchased for the collection. If the item is of relevance, e.g. particularly important as a record of Hamilton’s history, a duplicate copy may be purchased. Duplicate items may be retained from donations:
-
if they are otherwise difficult to obtain
-
the item may be at risk because of fragility or potential theft
-
because of its historic significance
4. Retention and Deselection
Material from Hamilton and the greater Waikato area is permanently retained unless replaced by copies in a better condition. Materials from outside this area may be deselected if they have been superseded or are deemed to no longer support the purposes of the collection.
5. Storage and Access
The majority of the Rangahau | Reference Library Collection is shelved on open shelves and available for customer use. Due to the nature of the material the material is not able to be borrowed.
6. Loans
Rangahau | Reference Library items may be loaned to other institutions for the purposes of exhibition or research but handling and display must meet accepted professional standards. The borrowing institution must meet all conditions imposed by the Whakaputu | Archives, Reference & Special Collections Manager and all costs including insurance and transportation.
Return to Collection Management Policy.