Collection Development Policies

Penn Libraries is dedicated to building and stewarding distinctive world-class collections that support the research, teaching, and learning mission of the University and contribute to the preservation of the cultural and scholarly record for future generations. Intellectual and academic freedom is essential in building library collections that support the needs of the University and advance knowledge creation. In alignment with the principles expressed in American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries, we collect materials representing a broad range of ideas, experiences, and perspectives that transcend the personal values of individual selectors and include subjects that may be considered controversial.

The collection development policies below document the specific ways in which the Libraries' collections support the University's research and instruction. They are intended to serve as dynamic documents and a basis for the ongoing conversation between librarians, students, and faculty regarding the selection and retention of library materials and the setting of priorities and ensure that the Libraries continue to meet the University's programmatic needs.