Physical Science Guidelines

I. Purpose and Program Description

A. Library's Collection Development Objectives

The collection's primary purpose and emphasis is to support studies at the B.S. degree level in Physical Sciences. Students in this program may be preparing for entrance to graduate programs in chemistry or for work in government or private laboratories. In addition, the collection supports those students wishing to follow a professional program leading to a career in the health sciences. The collection is also used by students that take the general science courses in astronomy, geology, meteorology and physical sciences that are part of the University's core curriculum. In addition, the collection supports faculty teaching and research. The interdisciplinary nature of the physical sciences requires that students and faculty consult related collections in the library.

B. Curricular Program Description

The Physical Sciences Department is one of seven departments within the School of Sciences. The Bachelor of Science degree program provides options in the specialty areas of chemistry and pre-medical sciences in addition to the physical sciences option.

C. Overlap with Other Academic Disciplines and Library Collections

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 the 20th-century forward, but no period is excluded from consideration for the collection.

C. Geographical Coverage: No limitations.

D. Types of Material: Included are encyclopedias, handbooks, directories, standard chemical dictionaries, statistical works, analytical research reports, monographs, and journals. All depository items issued by the Superintendent of Documents are acquired. In addition, publications and proceedings of professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society are acquired on a selective basis.

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

F. Physical Format: Hardbound and paperbound books, including those containing software or multi-media discs are selected extensively.   Pamphlets, serials, and periodicals are collected selectively. Microforms and audiovisuals are collected selectively in consultation with the Physical Sciences.

G. Treatment of Subject: Publications encompassing general science, physics, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry, and biochemistry are acquired extensively. Historical materials dealing with the development of        physical science and chemistry, including biographies and autobiographies of scientists are collected on a more selective basis.  

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 Physical Science/Chemistry:

1.) Standing Orders:  

American Assoc. Advancement of Science
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
Official Methods of Analysis of the Assoc. of   Official Analytical Chemists
Science and Technology Annual Reference Review

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

J. Major Assessment/Selection Tools: American Chemical Society.   Guidelines and Suggested Title List forUndergraduate Libraries; American Reference Books Annual; Books for College Libraries; Crane, Evan J. A Guide to the Literature of Chemistry; Katz, Bill. Magazines for Libraries; General Science Index; Maizell, Robert E. How to Find Chemical Information; Sheehy, Eugene P. Guide to Reference Books.

K. Deselection/Replacement: Currency is of primary importance in the field of Physical Science/Chemistry. 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 deselection/replacement, unless they retain some seminal or historical value. Materials for deselection or replacement are evaluated in accordance with the General Collection Management and Development Policy statement on Deselection/Replacement.

L. Classification That Defines the Scope of the Collection:

Q - Science, general
QC - Physics
QD - Chemistry
QR - Microbiology
QH 201-278 - Microscopy
QH 301-705 - Biology, including biochemistry
TP - Chemical Technology

M. Recommended Collection Level: 3aE

Library Liaison: Williams                 Subject: GENERAL SCIENCE

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT:
CLASSED ANALYSIS

Collection Level