Library Policies

Collection Development Policy: Government

 General Objectives

 To support the Government curriculum, materials will be acquired to keep the government collection current.  Emphasis will be given to the purchase of American and Texas government materials including books of readings, writings of noted political scientists, and surveys that discuss theories and concepts of federal, state and local government.  Materials supporting courses emphasizing global awareness and international affairs will be purchased. 

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: The study of the governments of United States and Texas is given the highest priority.   Some comparative and world government/political science materials will be purchased.

CHRONOLOGY: Emphasis is placed on the purchase of materials published within the last five years, except in areas covering the history of U.S. and Texas government.      

MATERIAL TYPES

All formats may be considered for purchase.  Serials are heavily relied upon for current material.  Reference works in government/political science, including encyclopedias, dictionaries and bibliographic materials will be purchased.  CD-ROMs and DVDs are generally added when accompanying print material, but may be purchased separately when available.

 SELECTION TOOLS

Faculty and student recommendations

Choice reviews

Publishers’ Discoverys and flyers

Book Reviews from http://www.nytimes.com/ and other online publications.

Eileen Oliver, Updated: December 10, 2013