Collection Development Policies:

Architecture

Purpose: The Architecture Library collection supports the BS in Architecture; the BS in Construction Management; and the MS in Architecture. This collection development statement is also related to those for Fine Arts, and Interior Design. The collection in Architecture also serves history, fine arts, world civilizations and related areas of the social sciences and the humanities. The collection additionally supports the architecture requirements of the program in Regional Planning/ Environmental Studies, and aspects of Interior Design. Collections in regional planning also serve the needs of programs in Environmental Science (see Environmental Science and Regional Planning policy statement). The present statement addresses architecture collection needs from the Social Science and Humanities perspective. Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering are covered by other policies, including Engineering: Civil and Environmental, and Engineering: Mechanical and Materials.

General Collection Guidelines:
  1. Languages: English is the primary language of the collection. There is no language limitation when illustrative material is more important than text. Works of notable foreign architects are acquired in the original if no translation is available.
  2. Chronological Guidelines: No limitations. Current materials are emphasized. Retrospective purchasing is selective
  3. Geographical Guidelines: Architecture of all countries andall periods is collected to develop broad historical and cultural perspectives. Architecture of North America and Europe is emphasized.
  4. Treatment of the Subject: The history, practice, criticism theory, and methodology of Architecture are collected. Current research and interpretations are emphasized. Textbooks are collected selectively, depending on depth and merit.
  5. Types of Material: Most materials acquired are in the form of books and periodicals. Special kinds of architectural materials collected are: architectural drawings, blueprints and plans; technical reports; building codes; government documents; and other historic documents. Videos are acquired when appropriate. Electronic resources are acquired.
  6. Date of Publication: Current publications are emphasized. Retrospective materials are added selectively to round out specific areas where additional material is needed. Reprints are preferred to original editions because of cost.
  7. Other General Considerations: The needs of architecture students and researchers are further served by the collections in fine arts, regional planning/ environmental studies, interior design, and history, as well as behavioral sciences, anthroplogy and geography. Various engineering and science disciplines also collect materials pertinent to architecture.
Observations and Qualifications by Subject with Collection Level: Architectural History and Criticism: C(1) Emphasis is on detailed historical and critical studies of Architecture in general and of particular places and periods; of individual buildings and types; surveys of the architecture of particular places; biographical treatment of architects, past and present. General surveys of the art and architecture of various periods and countries are housed in Holland and Terrell Libraries. Historical Preservation and Restoration of Buildings: C(1) Works about particular preservation and restoration projects and preservation and restoration techniques are collected. Architectural Design: C(1) Materials collected include works on design methods, including computer-aided architectural design and other computer applications. Current research in history and theory of design are emphasized over "how to" books. "How to" materials are purchased selectively. Contemporary Architects: C(1) Scholarly monographs on contemporary architects and their work are collected as they become acknowledged and published. Construction Management: C(1) Materials collected emphasize the relationship between Building Technology and Business Management. Materials dealing with the technical aspects of building construction are selectively acquired. Works dealing with the Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering and Business are covered by those policies Energy and Resource Management: C(1) Materials dealing with Energy and Resource Management, planning and techniques are emphasized. Included are solar energy, historic conservation, energy and resource conservation, architectural planning, and community and urban planning. Professional Practice: C(1) All aspects of professional practice in Architecture are collected. Landscape Architecture: C(1) Materials collected range from the historic (e.g., Hanging Gardens of Babylon) to the current (e.g., street furnishings). Paula Elliot
Spring 2004

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