Subject Collection Development Guidelines

Subject Collection Development Policy

JMU Libraries supports James Madison University's Department of Political Science with a collection that facilitates instruction and research in the department’s undergraduate and graduate curriculum. The department offers degrees in several programs: 

B.A. in Political Science

B.A. in International Affairs

Cross-disciplinary B.A. in International Affairs with International Relations and Comparative Study concentrations

B.S. in Public Policy and Administration

Masters in Political Science--European Union Policy Studies Concentration

Masters in Public Administration

Certificate in Management of International Non-Governmental Organizations

Certificate in Strategic Planning for International Stabilization and Recovery

Because of high student enrollment demand and limited faculty resources, the department established enrollment controls (i.e., selective admission) in 2003.  Undergraduate research may be somewhat more rigorous than in other departments.  As can be seen from the degrees listed, the undergraduate curriculum covers a wide range of the discipline, including political theory, U.S. government, international affairs, public policy-setting, and public administration. Political science collections also provide considerable materials support for Justice Studies, for General Education students researching and writing on political topics or public policy controversies, as well as support for 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 area, 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.
• Print is the primary format for the general collection; electronic formats are favored for reference resources and periodical collections.  The liaison librarian will monitor developments in electronic publishing as well as the needs and preferences of departmental faculty and students to determine if/when monographs in electronic format(s) are viewed as more acceptable for the general collections. Other formats may be purchased selectively to support the curriculum.
• Acquisition of specific data sets which support curricular and research needs will be considered.
• English-language materials are purchased almost exclusively.
• Materials are acquired primarily from U. S. publishers; also English language materials published by international organizations or agencies.

Responsibilities

The responsibility of acquiring and managing Political Science collections primarily resides with the subject/liaison librarian(s) for that area. Liaison librarian(s) are expected to keep apprised of developments in the department and the field, and to work with departmental faculty to meet their instructional, research, and resource needs. Collection management activities are monitored and administered by JMU Libraries' Collection Development Committee, with expenditures authorized by the Dean of Libraries.

Updated April 2, 2012 by Reba Leiding.

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