Foundation resources: formula-based allocation of an acquisition budget in a university library

Susan Lafferty - Document Supply Manager, City Library University of Technology, Sydney
Peter Warning - Faculty Liaison Librarian, University of Technology, Sydney
Billie Vlies - Faculty Liaison Librarian, University of Technology, Sydney

Abstract
In 1995 the University of Technology, Sydney, introduced a formula-based approach for its library materials allocation budget. A contentious issue surrounding the formula was how to evaluate the relative literature dependence of the students and staff of the university's nine faculties. After analysis, all identified measures of literature dependence were considered unsuitable and were replaced by the concept of Foundation Resources, a category of materials which underpin the main collection. The definition and principles of Foundation Resources, as well as its implementation, are described.