Course Materials for Uncertain Times Balancing Purchase Formats in Multiple Learning Environments

Abstract

Acquisitions and Course Reserves librarians have worked throughout the pandemic to provide course materials in a constantly changing learning environment. At the Candler School of Theology, student demand for online courses has increased, and in response, faculty have implemented more creative pedagogy. The library has, in turn, changed our service models throughout the past two years to continue promoting student success. This article offers a look into Course Reserve collecting policies from 2019 to 2022 to show how changes in instructional methods have impacted everything from staffing needs to collection development. We will then discuss how our decision-making around electronic resource purchasing has evolved and demonstrate how to update Course Reserve and collection development policies to serve a hybrid learning environment.