Subject Collection Development Guidelines

JMU Libraries supports James Madison University's Department of Physics & Astronomy in the College of Science and Math with a collection that facilitates instruction and research, taking into consideration the department's diverse and comprehensive curriculum. The Physics collection is developed in accordance with the department’s evolving undergraduate program, including the Bachelor of Arts in Physics, the Bachelor of Science in Physics, and minors available in Physics and Astronomy. Acquisitions and collection management of Physics materials also supports the library-wide mission of fostering environments that allow users to connect with ideas and information.

Collection Areas:

Guidelines

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

• Primary emphasis is on current materials, preferably published within the past 20 years.
• Primary formats are print and electronic. Other formats are purchased selectively to support the Physics curriculum. When deciding between print and electronic resource of comparable scope and information type, preference is given for electronic materials that facilitate accessibility. Electronic formats are notably favorable among science reference resources and periodical collections.
• Materials are acquired primarily from the United States.
• English-language materials are purchased almost exclusively.

Responsibilities

The responsibility of acquiring and managing Physics collections primarily resides with the Physics liaison librarian. The liaison librarian works with Physics & Astronomy 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 & Educational Technologies.

Updated July 2, 2012 by Yasmeen Shorish.

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