2.1. Responsibility for Selection

Selection of materials to be purchased for any of the collections under the umbrella of the Bahá'í World Centre Library is made by the librarians who are responsible, through the Department of Library and Archival Services. Selection of materials for the libraries of each institution, department or office will be made in consultation with the institution or department/office coordinator concerned, to ensure that the departmental collection correlates with the department's information needs and stated functions. All ordering is carried out centrally by the Library, rather than by individual departments.

2.1.1. Acquisitions Review Panel

A panel composed of the Librarian and Library section heads will meet on a regular basis to review certain categories of items which should not be considered automatic acquisitions:

2.2. Materials Acquired

The Bahá'í World Centre Library seeks to acquire the following materials for use by the Universal House of Justice, the International Teaching Centre, and World Centre departments:

2.2.1. Books, monographs

2.2.1.1. Bahá'í publications

All publications by Bahá'í Publishing Trusts or institutions of the Faith. Five depository copies of each new publication, five copies of each new edition, and five copies of each reimpression are deposited by these sources. Certain other types of Bahá'í publications such as school and conference programs are requested for deposit. For details of exact numbers in each category, consult the latest Bahá'í World Centre Library letter to National Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá'í Publishing Trusts.

2.2.1.2. Publications with Bahá'í Reference

All publications about the Faith published under non-Bahá'í auspices, and all those containing significant reference to the Faith. These are acquired in numbers deemed sufficient by the librarians for immediate and future use, through purchase or gift. A special effort is made to acquire rare or out-of-print titles of research interest.

2.2.1.3. Reference Works

Reference works, indexes, maps and other publications providing information necessary to the carrying-out of World Centre activities, for use in reference and departmental libraries.

2.2.1.4. Historical background

All significant materials which treat historical events or periods that have a relationship to the history and development of the Faith.

2.2.1.5. Books and materials by Bahá'ís:

2.2.1.5.1. Significant work in the field, if deemed of possible use in one of the library collections at the World Centre;

2.2.1.5.2. Those containing mention of the Faith, or relating in an important way to the principles expounded by Bahá'u'lláh;

2.2.1.5.3. Those of importance due to their early date in the development of the Faith in a particular country or region.

2.2.1.6. Publications on issues relating to Bahá'í principles

Publications, not mentioning the Faith, which are deemed important in the general recognition of Bahá'í principles.

2.2.1.7. Religions

Holy Books, history and doctrines of other religions.

2.2.1.8. Manuscripts (see Addendum 1).

2.2.2. Periodicals

2.2.2.1. Bahá'í newsletters

2.2.2.1.1. International and Continental newsletters

The Periodicals Section seeks to acquire a minimum of 5 copies of each Bahá'í newsletter, bulletin or journal published by Continental Board of Counsellors and other inter national Bahá'í agencies. Extra copies are requested, as needed, for the permanent collections of other World Centre departments.

2.2.2.1.2. National Newsletters:

The Periodicals Section seeks to acquire a minimum of 5 copies of each Bahá'í newsletter, bulletin or journal published by the National Spiritual Assemblies and their national committees. Extra copies are requested, as needed, for the permanent collections of other World Centre departments.

2.2.2.1.3. Regional, Local Newsletters:

Certain newsletters, published by regional committees, schools, Local Spiritual Assemblies, etc. may be collected as needed for World Centre work.

2.2.2.1.4. Edited by Bahá'ís, not necessarily Bahá'í content:

One copy of this type of newsletter will be acquired as needed.

2.2.2.2. Non-Bahá'í periodicals

2.2.2.2.1. Professional Journals:

Certain periodical publications enabling World Centre professional staff to keep abreast of developments in their fields of expertise will be acquired subject to consultation between that professional and the Periodicals Acquisitions Librarian.

2.2.2.2.2. Departmental Periodicals:

The Periodicals Section will acquire periodicals providing information necessary to the carrying out of the work of World Centre departments for use in reference and department libraries, with the understanding that the librarian may question a request that duplicates material already available.

2.2.2.2.3. Current Information Periodicals:

The Periodicals Section will subscribe to several daily newspapers and other sources of general current information (e.g. weekly news magazines) for use by the institutions and departments of the World Centre.

2.2.2.2.4. Permanent Research Collection: In consultation between the Periodicals Acquisiton Librarian and any departments that may be involved, certain periodicals will be acquired that deal with subject areas significant to the history and development of the Faith. These will be added to the permanent collection in the Library.

2.3. Commercial Database Services

2.3.1. Acquisition of any database service.

2.4. Collection Review / Withdrawal