This collection policy guides the overarching processes of selecting, maintaining and managing collections purchased, housed and made available by Col. Robert H. Morse Library, insuring systematic and aligned acquisitions and deletions in accordance with the mission of the College The Library seeks to acquire and provide access to resources supporting the learning goals of the College and its academic departments and programs. Ongoing review of the Library’s holdings is conducted to inform additions as well as the removal of items.

Gifts

Gifts are accepted only when they add strength to the collection and when the donor places no significant limitations on housing, handling, or disposition of duplicate, damaged, or unwanted items. At this time, the library is not accepting donations with the exception of archival materials directly related to Beloit College, the city of Beloit, or Rock County, or materials appropriate for the following special collections.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection on Non-Violence: a donation from former Library Director H. Vail Deale at the time of Dr. King’s assassination is maintained by an endowed fund to support its continual growth. Additions to this collection meet careful guidelines; the materials must carry the message of non-violence and works by and about Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Henry David Thoreau hold prominence in the collection
• Beloitana Collection: includes materials by or about College alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees; about the College; and about the local area. The Library budget supports the continued acquisition of works written or edited by current and retired faculty, and current staff. In addition, selected and notable works by alumni of the College may be added at the discretion of the Archivist.
• Rare Books: are collected on a very limited basis. In addition to original, unique, limited edition, and older works, Beloit College’s Rare Books Collection contains a number of reproductions, or facsimiles, of exceedingly rare items. Though not rare in their currently produced form, these items are costly, of artisan quality, and are true enough to the original to be delicate and therefore deserving of additional care in housing.

Archives

The Archives are the repository for the College’s official business and history and include materials relating to significant people and places associated with the College and a component of local life and culture. The collection is maintained as a resource to the College community and to researchers with an interest in the College, its participants, and the surrounding area. This collection is available for use within the Archives Reading Room but does not otherwise circulate.