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1. Basic Collection: Provides an introductory overview. Includes basic reference
materials, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, selected editions of important works,
historical surveys, bibliographies, handbooks and a few major periodicals. Librarians
acquire best sellers, other popular materials and a few current, general works on a
subject. The collection is weeded continually based on use.
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2. Support Collection: Provides all of Level 1 plus general coverage and
understanding of a subject. Encompasses a wide range of representative works including some
advanced titles per topic. Librarians acquire reference works, bibliographies and secondary
works relating to the particular subject. The collection is weeded based on significance of
title and changing use.
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3. Resource Collection: Provides all of Level 2 plus broad, current, in-depth and
retrospective coverage to meet an extensive range of use by public library patrons. Includes
the available substantive works on the subject with an emphasis on currency. Librarians
acquire all important reference works, a wide selection of specialized books and an extensive
collection of journals. The collection is weeded based on significance of title, usage, and
maintenance of existing collection strengths.
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4. Comprehensive Collection: Provides all of Level 3 and encompasses the full range
of use for public library patrons, from introductory works for acquiring general knowledge to
primary resources for conducting historical research. Librarians acquire all significant and
available current and retrospective works for comprehensive coverage of a defined and limited
field. All titles and holdings are retained in a non-circulating collection with an emphasis
on preservation. Weeding rarely occurs.
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