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Library Content Policy

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1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the principles, standards, and procedures governing the selection, organisation, maintenance, and presentation of library content on the Vector Technology Institute (VTI) Library website.

This policy ensures that library resources support VTI’s academic programmes and learning outcomes, meet recognised standards of academic quality and integrity, and align with accreditation expectations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all content published or linked through the VTI Library website, including:

  • Open access databases, journals, and repositories
  • Ebooks and open educational resources (OER)
  • Standards, frameworks, and technical documentation
  • Media resources (images, video, audio)
  • Research guides, subject guides, and programme pages
  • Instructional content related to research skills and academic writing

3. Guiding Principles

3.1 Academic Integrity

Resources must support ethical scholarship, proper attribution, and responsible research practices.

3.2 Accessibility

Preference is given to open access and freely available resources to ensure equitable access for all students.

3.3 Relevance

Resources must align with VTI’s programmes, subject areas, and applied learning focus.

3.4 Transparency

The library clearly distinguishes between peer-reviewed resources, non-peer-reviewed or practitioner materials, and instructional or learning resources.

3.5 Sustainability

Content structures should minimise duplication and allow efficient updating and long-term maintenance.

4. Resource Selection Criteria

Resources may be included in the VTI Library based on one or more of the following criteria:

  • Academic Quality: Peer-reviewed journals or books, publisher-vetted academic content, recognised repositories
  • Authority & Credibility: Produced by reputable institutions, publishers, professional bodies, or government agencies
  • Educational Value: Supports teaching, learning, research, or professional development
  • Technical & Industry Relevance: Recognised standards, frameworks, or widely adopted professional practices
  • Legal & Ethical Use: Complies with copyright, licensing, and attribution requirements

5. Resource Classification & Labelling

To support informed use, library resources are labelled using descriptive tags, including:

  • [PR] – Peer-reviewed
  • [INDEX] – Discovery or indexing service
  • [BOOK] – Books / Ebooks
  • [OER] – Open Educational Resources
  • [STD] – Standards / Frameworks
  • [REPO] – Repository / Archive
  • [MEDIA] – Images, video, or audio
  • [DATA] – Data or statistics

These labels are intended as guidance and do not constitute endorsements.

6. A–Z Resource Lists

The A–Z directory represents the complete inventory of library resources available through the VTI Library.

Inclusion in the A–Z list does not imply endorsement or suitability for all academic work. Quality distinctions and instructional guidance are provided through curated guides.

7. Curated Guides

Curated guides include subject guides, programme guides, and research skills guides.

These guides highlight recommended resources, provide instructional context, and represent official academic guidance from the VTI Library.

8. Programme Pages

Programme pages act as navigational entry points linking students to relevant subject guides and resources. They do not duplicate full resource lists.

9. Review & Maintenance

The Librarian is responsible for content selection and maintenance, with consultative input from Programme Coordinators.

Resources may be updated, reclassified, or removed during scheduled reviews or following curriculum changes.

10. Academic Use Guidance

Students are expected to evaluate sources using recognised criteria and prioritise authoritative resources for assessed work. Instructional guidance is provided through library research and writing guides.

11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or as required by institutional, regulatory, or accreditation changes.

This policy establishes a formal framework for library content governance at Vector Technology Institute and supports academic quality, transparency, and sustainability.

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