Library Policies

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To support the art and visual arts curriculum, materials will be acquired to keep the collection current on new theories and techniques in the field of architecture and interior design.

SCOPE OF COVERAGE

Language:  English will be the primary language of the collection, unless there is a special request from a student or faculty for materials in another language, especially Spanish language material.
Geography:  United States publications are emphasized, with some world architectural and/or interior design materials purchased.
Chronology:  Emphasis is placed on the purchase of materials published within the last five years, except in areas covering the history of architecture and interior design.

MATERIAL TYPES

All formats may be considered for purchase.  Serials are heavily relied upon for current material.  Textbooks provide background information.  Audiovisual materials will be reviewed for selective additions.  CD-ROMs and DVDs are generally added when accompanying print material, but may be purchased separately when available.

SELECTION TOOLS

Materials will be identified through recommendations in or from:

a. Faculty and student recommendations

b. Review sources:

• Choice
• Library Journal
• Booklist
• Bowker's Books in Print

c. Publisher's Discoverys/web sites:

• Prarie Avenue Bookshop
• Princeton Architectural Press
• Architectural Press
• Teacher's Video Co.
• Films for the Humanities & Sciences
• Out of print: Hacker Art Books; Howard Karno Books; alibris; abebooks

d. Reference sources:

• Guide to Reference Books [Ref Z1035.1 .G89 1996]
• Books for College Libraries [Ref Z1039 .C65 B67]
• Walford’s Guide to Reference Materials [Ref Z1035.1 .W33]
• The Humanities: a selective guide to information sources [e-book]

RETENTION POLICY

Superseded editions will be removed from the shelves unless they are listed in a major reference tool.  Qualifications for indefinite retention include:  historical information on the subject; local connection; community college connection; listed in standard reference works; out of print.