Information Systems and Decision Science Guidelines

I. Purpose and Program Description

A. Library's Collection Development Objectives

The library seeks to provide materials to support   programs through the B.S.B.A. level in Information Systems and Management. The library also seeks to support MBA level coursework in this area.

B. Curricular Program Description

Financial planners, business policy makers, market researchers, and managers need timely information in order to remain competitive. The Information Systems curriculum is designed to prepare students to design, analyze, and implement computer-aided information processing systems for these and other professionals. Decision Science is a relatively new field which helps organizations operate in a more efficient way by applying the scientific method and mathematical principles to organizational problems so that managers can evaluate policy alternatives. Data analysis, statistical inference, forecasting sampling and decision theory are tools required by quantitative analysts.

C. Expanding Areas of Interest

Management aspects and quantitative/statistical aspects of both I.S. and D.S. Industrial engineering aspects of D.S. such as Quality Control, Inventory Control.

D. Areas of Specialization

Software engineering. Quantitative aspects.

E. Overlap with other academic disciplines and library collections

Mathematics and statistics. Econometrics.

 II. General Selection Guidelines

A. Languages: English is the primary language of the collection. Foreign language materials are excluded. Key works originally published in a foreign language will be purchased only in English translation.

B. Chronological Coverage: Emphasis is on works written in the late twentieth century forward. All other periods are treated selectively.

C. Geographical Coverage: Primary emphasis: United States.

D. Types of Materials: Indexes, abstracts and encyclopedias and handbooks will provide basic reference information. Dictionaries and directories in the field   are also necessary. Publications of professional organizations are of great interest. Collected very selectively are textbooks, symposium proceedings, theses and dissertations. Excluded are anthologies and laboratory manuals.

E. Imprint Date: Emphasis is on current materials, i.e., those published during the present decade. Retrospective purchasing prior to this will be selective.

F. Physical Format: Hardbound and paperbound books, electronic books, serials, periodicals and microforms are collected, as are Software and books with media. Audiovisuals and microforms are collected selectively in consultation with the Business liaison.             

G. Treatment of Subject: For Information and Decision Sciences the Library is attempting to build a Level 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b collection. Monographs that address the theoretical and practical aspects of the subjects studied will be collected extensively. Research level monographs in this area are a collection interest but their acquisition will be secondary to the purchase of instructional level materials. Popular treatments of the subjects concerned will be acquired selectively.

H. Place of Publication: Emphasis is given to materials published in the United States, Canada and the U.K.. Materials from all other places are collected selectively.

I. Acquisitions Plans Affecting Information Systems and Decision Science:

1.) Standing Orders:

Society for Computer Simulation. Membership Directory

2.) Approval Plans: BNA: Books and forms.

J. Major Selection Tools and Information Sources

Choice. Middleton, CT: Choice, 1964-.
Encyclopedia of Business Information Sources. Detroit: Gale, 1986.
Harvard Business Review. Boston: Harvard University, 1922-.
Management Review. New York: American Management Association, 1923- American Reference Books Annual. Littleton, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1970- Sheehy, Eugene P. Guide to Reference Books. 10th ed.
Chicago: American Library Association, 1986.
Lexington Books. 125 Spring St., Lexington, MA 02173.
Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.

K. Weeding/Replacement: Currency is of primary importance in the field of Information Systems and Decision Science. Every effort is made to insure that the Collection is up-to-date and germane to the degree programs offered.   Thus erroneous and dated materials are prime candidates for weeding/replacement, unless they retain some seminal or historical value.   Materials for weeding or replacement are evaluated in accordance with the General Collection Management and Development Policy statement on Weeding/Replacement.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT:
CLASSED ANALYSIS

Collection Level