Subject Collection Development Guidelines

JMU Libraries supports James Madison University’s School of Engineering with a collection that facilitates instruction and research. The Engineering collection is developed in accordance with the department’s evolving undergraduate program, which includes a B.S. in Engineering.

Acquisitions and collection management of Engineering materials also supports the library-wide mission of fostering environments that allow users to connect with ideas and information.

Collection Areas

The JMU Libraries Engineering collection primarily falls under the Library of Congress class T – Technology.  Selected works are also purchased from class N – Fine Arts to support the study of architecture and design.

Guidelines

Materials are considered based on their subject, relevance to the curriculum, authoritativeness, currency, and price.  User requests and appropriateness for the entire collection are also key criteria for consideration.

• Primary emphasis is on current materials, especially those related to technology.
• Primary formats are print and electronic. Electronic formats are preferred for reference resources and periodical collections.
• Textbooks are not purchased unless they are either requested by an Engineering faculty member or are judged to be a valuable source of general information on the topic by the Engineering liaison librarian.
• Videos are purchased only at the request of faculty members.
• Materials are acquired primarily from the United States.
• English-language materials are purchased almost exclusively.

Responsibilities

The responsibility of acquiring and managing Engineering collections primarily resides with the liaison librarian, who works in cooperation with Engineering faculty within academic departments. Collection management activities are monitored and administered by JMU Libraries’ Collection Development Committee, with expenditures authorized by the Dean of Libraries.

Updated April 6, 2012 by Kelly Giles.

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