Library Collection Development Policy
I. Mission Statement:
The mission of the department is to contribute toward
a strong foundation in liberal arts education by providing students a well rounded
program of study which focuses on politics, government, governmental systems,
philosophy, public administration, and the theoretical and methodological
approaches of the discipline. At the undergraduate level, specialized tracks are
available in international studies, legal studies, and public administration; a minor
is available in philosophy. At the graduate level, the department offers a Masters
degree in Public Administration. Materials related to all of these areas are vital
to the success of these programs.
II. Collection Levels:
Level 1: (Minimum Development) Materials which support POLS 1101 and PHIL
1000. Includes introductory works in American Government and Philosophy,
encyclopedias, current news magazines and papers.
Level 2: (Basic Development) Materials which support all 2000 and 3000 numbered
courses. Includes standard works in political science, international relations, public
administration, and philosophy, government documents, core journals, and internet access.
Level 3: (Intermediate Development) Materials which support all 4000 numbered
courses. Beyond what is required in level 2, materials at this level must include
primary source material, critical and analytical studies, and an expanded selection
of journals to cover specialized sub-fields (for example, urban government).
Level 4: (Advanced Development) Materials which support graduate students.
Requires specialized books, critical studies and analytical reports in Public
Administration, and an expanded selection of journals to cover specialized sub-fields
(for example, public personnel management) beyond those listed under Level 3.
III. Statement of Short-Term Collection Goals: Funding will be on an equally
shared basis until such time as a short-fall is identified in any of the department's areas.
Should such a short-fall be identified, that area will receive priority funding until the
identified area is on an equal status with other areas in the department.
IV. Description of Department Procedures for Ordering:
Each faculty member is free to select and order his or her own books for the library,
after review and recommendations of the department chair, using his or her share of
the departmental budget.
V. Date Policy was Adopted:
8 November 1999.
