Special Needs Grants, funded from the library's endowment, are for the purchase of library materials - print or non-print - to fulfill needs not ordinarily able to be purchased through library allocations. These grants are intended to support the need for library materials for new courses or programs, to address collection deficiencies, and to maintain existing collection strengths. Materials purchased with these funds are library - not classroom - materials that are housed in the library for undergraduate and graduate education.
The total amount available depends on funds available from the library's endowment. For each proposal the limit is $3,000. More than one proposal may be submitted by a department, each addressing a specific collection need. Materials are ordered after July 1 following the spring approval cycle. If the requested items will be assigned for a specific class during the fall semester such information must be clearly indicated on the application form. The library attempts to purchase all requested items in a timely fashion. However, the library cannot guarantee arrival time nor guarantee that all the material on the list will be available for purchase.
The Library Subcommittee evaluates applications using the guidelines noted below and recommends to the Library Dean those that are selected for funding. Proposals may be partially funded.
1. Guidelines for proposal
a. An application will not be funded for more than $3,000.
b. All items purchased must adhere to the library's Collection Development Policy.
c. Applications are submitted by faculty with support from the department or by a department. A department may submit more than one application when funding needs address different courses, programs or deficiencies.
d. Consultation with the librarian who has been assigned to the department is required before submitting a proposal. Ideally the request should be prepared in collaboration with the librarian.
e. No items may be requested that assume an ongoing commitment of funds.
f. Applications may be made for most non-print materials as long as they fit within the library's 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.
g. Requests for materials that solely support faculty research are not appropriate and will not be funded.
2. Preparing the application
a. The application must include a description of how the requested materials will support an academic program's needs.
b. All applications must be typed.
c. A prioritized list of books or titles to be ordered with complete bibliographic information must be included at the time of application.
3. Bibliographic guidelines
a. Book citations must include the author, title, publisher, date and price. It is recommended that list prices be used when figuring the total amount of the request. Discounts and promotional prices may not be available at the time the material is ordered.
b. Video requests should include distributors and catalog numbers or Web page URLs. Video titles alone are not sufficient to identify the item accurately.
c. Requests for music CDs should include the preferred conductor, choral group, orchestra, and/or artist(s).
d. Periodical backfile citations must include the title and ISSN and publisher (if known) as well as any title changes within the requested run. The library will decide the best format for periodical backfiles.
e. Addresses or URLs of lesser-known vendors or publishers should be included if possible.
4. Evaluation: For each application the Library Subcommittee's recommendation regarding funding will be based on the following factors:
a. The application and rationale provided, especially the description of the impact on the academic program.
b. The recommendation made by the Collection Development Librarian, who will provide advice on the appropriateness of the material for the library and determine that the requested items fit within the library's Collection Development Policy.
For additional information and/or questions contact Margit Codispoti (x16507).
