Philosophy and Religion Guidelines

I. Purpose and Program Description

A. Library's Collection Development Objectives

The Library seeks to provide materials to support instruction in the area of philosophy, to assist in providing materials to the students in order that they may gain an understanding of the human condition and the moral, ethical and logical questions that present themselves.  

B. Curricular Program Description

No degree program is currently offered in the field of philosophy. Philosophy is joined with the English department under the heading English and Philosophy. A minor in philosophy at the Baccalaureate level is currently offered. Courses in the Bible as literature are presently offered.

C. New and Expanding Areas of Interest

Currently, the teaching faculty and the library are working on strengthening the holdings in religion and mythology. A majority of the religion materials being added document the development and philosophy of the Christian religion.

D. Areas of Specialization

Partially due to lack of a degree program in this area there has not been a great deal of money allocated to building the collection in the area of philosophy. As a result, the holdings are minimal. Biographical information is included on most of the major philosophers. The collection is weak in terms of some of the major religions, particularly eastern religions and philosophies such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Confucianism, etc.. The collection is strongest in terms of speculative philosophy.

E. Overlap with Other Academic Disciplines and Library Collections:

Anthropology, English, History, International Studies, Management, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology.

II. General Selection Guidelines

A. Languages: English is the primary language collected. Works on religions and philosophies written in foreign languages will be acquired in translations. Under exceptional circumstances, consideration will be given to acquire works published in the original language.

B. Chronological Coverage: No limitations.

C. Geographical Coverage: Dictated by the author's country of origin.

D. Types of Materials: Includes encyclopedias, handbooks, directories, dictionaries, yearbooks, periodicals, bibliographies, biographies, monographs, journals and theses from the MLA program are added.

E. Imprint Date: Current in-print publications receive priority; however, selected retrospective publications are purchased in available formats as funding permits.

F. Physical Format: Hardbound.

G. Treatment of Subject: Publications serving as an introduction to the issues and questions involved in philosophy, ethics, and religion are included. Works by the major philosophers in the field are acquired, as are, biographies of major philosophers, general surveys of philosophy from an historical perspective. Also included are works dealing with the Bible as literature, especially with the New Testament.

H. Place of Publication: Primarily the United States. Imprints from foreign areas are added selectively.

I. Acquisitions Plans affecting English/English Literature:

1.) Standing Orders: Religion in America

2.) Approval Plans: Blackwell North America: Forms; Baker & Taylor: Forms.

J. Major Assessment/Selection Tools: Books for College Libraries; MLA; Sheehy, Eugene P. Guide to Reference Books; Katz, Bill. Magazines for College Libraries; DeGeorge, Richard T. The Philosopher's Guide, Bynagle, Hans E. Philosophy: A Guide to the Reference Literature, Choice; Booklist.

K. Deselection/Replacement: Currency is not a primary consideration, therefore deselection (weeding) will be kept to a minimum. Items will be considered for weeding should their physical condition become such that they are no longer capable of being used. Where possible, obtaining replacement copies will be considered. Discussions between the departmental and the library liaison will determine whether microformat is acceptable as a replacement.

L. Classifications That Define the Scope of the Collection:

Library Liaison: Best             Subject: PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT:
CLASSED ANALYSIS

Collection Level