This set of collection development guidelines is the response of an academic library to the question of when and where it is most advantageous to provide access to information through resource sharing in lieu of ownership. A Collection Development Committee, appointed by the dean of the university and guided by a self-study format provided by the Association of Research Libraries, collaborated over a two-year period to develop these guidelines concerning the question of ownership. The guidelines include: (1) an introduction with a statement of purpose; (2) a policy statement outline describing its purpose and emphasis, collection parameters, collecting levels, related subject statements, and additional sources (outside libraries or resource centers with special collections); (3) collecting levels and language codes; (4) mission statement of the library; (5) gift policy; (6) a description of the various university libraries in light of the policy statement components; and (7) policy collection statements for each of the university libraries and departments. (CGD)