Mathematics Guidelines

I. Purpose and Program Description

A. Library's Collection Development Objectives

The collection's first purpose is to support the three baccalaureate level programs in mathematics. The library also seeks to support mathematics courses leading to the master's degree in education program. The collection's second purpose is to support the faculty in teaching and research. Finally, because mathematics plays such a significant role in so many other disciplines, the library's collection should offer mathematical support to a great range of other areas.

B. Curricular Program Description

At the bachelor's degree level, there is the traditional mathematics program, the mathematics program with concentration in computing, and the mathematics program with emphasis in engineering and physics. There are also programs in mathematics education at both the baccalaureate and master's degree levels.

C. New and Expanding Areas of Interest

1. Numerical analysis
2. Discrete mathematics
3. Both practical and theoretical aspects of programming.

D. Areas of Specialization

Topology and geometry; modern algebra; functional analysis; statistics; discrete mathematics; numerical analysis; mechanical eng.; history of mathematics; mathematics education.

E. Overlap with other Academic Disciplines and Library Collections

Physics, Information Science, Chemistry, Economics, Education, Philosophy

II. General Selection Guidelines

A. Languages: English is the primary language of the collection. Materials in languages other than English will be judged on an individual basis. Classic works originally published in another language may be purchased in English translation.

B. Chronological Coverage: Emphasis is on the 20th century and forward, but no period is excluded from consideration for the collection. Works dealing with the practical aspects of computing should be the most up-to-date obtainable.

C. Geographical Coverage: No limitations.

D. Types of Material: Included are encyclopedias, directories, dictionaries, handbooks, bibliographies, biographies, monographs, and journals. All depository items issued by the Superintendent of Documents are acquired.   Publications and proceedings of professional mathematical organizations may be included also. Theses, dissertations and textbooks are acquired selectively.

E. Imprint Date: Current in-print publications receive priority. Selected retrospective publications are purchased in available formats and directed by The Mathematical Association of America's Basic Library List for Four Year Colleges.

F. Physical Format: Traditional print forms, including hardbound and paperbound books, and serials are collected. Microforms and audiovisuals are collected selectively when cost and space considerations are especially important. Audiovisuals and computer software are collected selectively in consultation with the Mathematics liaison.

G. Treatment of Subject: Publications encompassing mathematical logic, algebra, analysis, statistics and its applications, calculus, geometry, topology, history of mathematics numerical analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical modeling, and computer science are collected. Historical materials dealing with the development of all aspects of mathematics, including biographies and autobiographies of prominent mathematicians and information scientists are purchased.  

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

I. Acquisitions Plans Affecting Mathematics:

1.) Standing Orders: CRC Standard Mathematical Tables
2.) Approval Plans: BNA: Books and Forms.

J. Major Assessment/Selection Tools: BNA and B&T notification slips; major mathematics journals; publishers announcements; MAA's Basic Library List for Four YearColleges; ARBA; Books for College Libraries; Kazt, Bill Magazines for Libraries; Applied Science and Technology Index; General Science Index; Sheehy, Eugene P. Guide to Reference Books; MathSciNet database title listing.

K. Deselection/Replacement: Currency is only a major criterion for the assessment of works dealing with computing. Thus, deselection/replacement is kept to a minimum.

L. Classifications That Define the Scope of the Collection:

Q - Science, general
QA - Mathematics
TK - Electrical engineering. Electronics

M. Recommended Collection Level: 2b-3aE

Library Liaison: Best                     Subject: Mathematics

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT:
CLASSED ANALYSIS

Collection Level