Special Needs Funds Description  

The Special Needs Funds are for the purchase of library materials – print or non-print – not ordinarily able to be purchased through library allocations. These funds from the library’s endowment are intended to address the needs of new courses or programs, special student research, collection deficiencies, and maintenance of existing collection strengths. Materials purchased in this manner are to be library – not classroom – materials that are to be housed in the library for undergraduate and graduate education.

The total amount available depends on funds available from the library's endowment and is normally around $30,000 per cycle. For each proposal the limit is $3000. Materials will be ordered during the following semester after endowment funds become available. There's no guarantee of arrival time. Proposals may be partially funded.

The Senate Library Subcommittee has set up a rotation schedule that allows approximately half of the IPFW departments to apply for the funds each semester.

The Library Subcommittee evaluates applications using the guidelines noted below and recommends to the Library Director those that should be funded.

Guidelines

1. Application
1. An application amount may be for no more than $3,000.
2. All applications must be submitted by a department. A department that submits more than one application must prioritize its applications.
3. All applications must be typed.
2. No item that assumes a recurring or ongoing commitment should be requested, but serial backfiles that will strengthen the collection by filling gaps will be considered if not available electronically. All serial requests will be subject to the library's serials review process.
3. Application may be made for most non-print materials. However, certain formats are specifically denied by the Collection Development Policy. Interactive computer programs must be fully self-contained on a disc, including content and .exe files. No networked or multi-licensed programs will be purchased.
4. An application must include:
1. A description of how the SPECIAL FUNDS will impact an academic program.
2. A prioritized list of books or titles to be ordered done in consultation with the assigned liaison librarian. 
5. Bibliographic guidelines:
1. Book citations must include the author, title, publisher, and date. Other identifying data such as the ISBN and price should be included if available.
2. Periodical backfile citations must include the title and ISSN and publisher (if known) as well as any title changes within the requested run. Backfiles will normally be purchased in microfilm.
3. Generally, the less well-known the publisher or distributor, the more information that will be needed. Addresses or URLs of lesser-known vendors or publishers should be included if possible.
4. Video requests should include distributors and catalog numbers or Web page URLs if available.
5. When requesting music CD's, the following information should be provided: preferred conductor, choral group, orchestra, and/or artist(s).
6. Evaluation of the application: For each application, the Library Subcommittee’s recommendation to the Library Director regarding funding will be based on the following factors:
1. The application itself, especially the response to item #5 (impact on the academic program).
2. The recommendation made by the Collection Development Officer in consultation with the other librarians. These librarians will also determine if the requested materials conform to the Collection Development Policy.
7. Additional information and/or questions:
1. Consultation with the librarian who has been assigned to the department is required before submitting a proposal. See guidelines 4b. 
2. For further information, contact Margit Codispoti (x16507).