Automated Retrieval Collection (ARC) Policy

The Automated Retrieval Collection (ARC) is an onsite high-density storage facility that allows the Library to maintain a robust physical collection available on demand. Generally, the items stored in the ARC are older, less frequently used, or prone to theft.

General criteria for inclusion in the ARC:

• Age - books and periodicals older than 10 years that have not been used in 5 years
• Format - all A/V materials
• Value - books prone to theft or damage, regardless of their age
• External agreements - books we retain as part of the Michigan Shared Print Initiative (MI-SPI)
• Archival materials - faculty publications, theses and dissertations, other bound materials identified for long-term preservation

Exceptions to general criteria listed above that may be held in the open stacks:

• Format - government documents, maps, microforms, and music scores
• Series - books sets are kept together, either in the open stacks or in the ARC
• Subject - the humanities, particularly art and history books, and the children’s literature collection

Relocation to the ARC

Librarians are consulted before materials are moved between the open stacks and the ARC.

ARC Conditions

The Library uses temperature and humidity sensors, system alarms, and visual inspection of bins to monitor environmental conditions in the ARC.

Policy Review

The ARC Policy will be reviewed every 5 years by the Collection Development Team in consultation with other Library units.

Adopted March 17, 2023 by Library Faculty