The Library normally acquires only a single copy of each item selected for inclusion in the collection. There are some cases where multiple copies may be acquired for specific purposes, however:
- Student texts held in the Reserve Collection :
Texts are acquired in multiple copies for housing in the Reserve Collection, based on the number of students likely to require access to the items.
- Other items for which there is considerable demand :
Items in the general collection which are likely to be in considerable demand may be acquired in multiple copies.
- Items of interest to more than one subject library :
Multiple copies of an item are not usually acquired for different subject libraries. Networked electronic access is preferred where possible.
- Archival copies for special collections :
Additional copies of items in the general collections may be acquired for special archival collections, such as the Australian Literature Collection and the University Collection.
- Multiple formats :
An additional copy of an item may be acquired in a different format in order to improve access, or to improve its preservation and storage. In these cases, one format may be selected for retention and the others withdrawn.
