Speech & Communication 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 communication. The library also seeks to support master's degree level coursework in Speech-language Pathology and Audiology. Secondary support is directed to faculty teaching and research and research assistance to local area communication professionals. The interdisciplinary nature of this area requires that students and faculty consult related collections in the library.

B. Curricular Program Description

At the bachelor's degree level, the communication program includes three areas of concentration: 1) Speech communication, which studies rhetoric and communication theories from the classical through the contemporary periods, criticism, communication theory and practice, empirical research, political communication, and small group & public communication; 2) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology studies speech and auditory disorders and rehabilitation programs; 3) Mass Communication concentration includes studies in journalism, broadcasting, public relations and advertising. There are also programs in speech communication education at both the baccalaureate and master's degree levels.

C. Overlap with Other Academic Disciplines and Library Collections

Anthropology, Art, Drama, International Studies, Nursing, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

II. General Selection Guidelines

A. Languages: English is the principal language of the collection. Foreign language material are excluded. Works written in languages other than English are purchased very selectively and usually 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 restrictions. However, primary emphasis is on communication media in the western world, scholarly works from ancient Greece and Rome, etc. are included.

D. Types of Materials: Included are encyclopedias, handbooks, directories, dictionaries, anthologies, research reports, abstracts, indices, bibliographies, biographies, symposium proceedings, monographs and journals. Dissertations and theses are purchased selectively. All depository items issued by the Superintendent of Documents are acquired.

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 are selected extensively. Pamphlets, serials, and periodicals are collected selectively.   Microforms and audiovisuals are collected very selectively in consultation with the Communications liaison and Dean of the Library. Software and books with media are excluded.

G. Treatment of Subject: Publications encompassing three broad areas are included: 1) mass media and society; journalism and copyrighting, 2) theories of communication; small group, public, interpersonal, and political communication, 3) speech pathologies; developmental aspects and disorders.   Works written on a popular level are excluded.

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 Speech/Communications:

1.) Standing Orders:

Broadcasting Yearbook
Sights and Sounds
Speech Index

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

J. Major Assessment/Selection Tools: American Reference Books Annual; Blum, E. Basic Books in the Mass Media; Books for College Libraries; Broadcasting in America; Cates, J. Journalism; Choice. Encyclopedia of Communications; Sheehy, Eugene P. Guide to Reference Books.

K. Weeding/Replacement: Currency is not a primary criterion for assessment, thus weeding/replacement is kept to an absolute minimum.   Materials for weeding or replacement are evaluated in accordance with the General Collection Management and DEVELOPMENT Policy statement on Weeding/Replacement.

L. Classifications That Define the Scope of the Collection:

HE - Transportation and communication
PN - Literature. General literary history and collections. Performing arts

M. Recommended Collection Level: 2b-3aE

Library Liaison: Kneip             Subject: SPEECH/COMUNICATIONS

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT:
CLASSED ANALYSIS

Collection Level