Psychology

Collection Development Policy
Leza Madsen, Librarian

1. Applicable LC Classes:

Call No.	Subject Heading
BF1-172	General Psychology
BF173-175	Psychoanalysis
BF176-179	Psychology
BF180-210	Experimental Psychology
BF231-299	Aesthesiology
BF309-499	Cognition
BF501-510	Motivation
BF511-593	Emotion
BF608-635	Will, Choice
BF636-637	Applied Psychology
BF638-659	Psychology
BF660-685	Comparative Psychology
BF686-697	Psychology
BF698-698.9	Personality
BF699-711	Genetic Psychology
BF712-724.85	Developmental Psychology
BF725-784	Psychology
BF795-839	Character
BF840-940	Physiognomy, Phrenology, Graphology, Palmistry
BF1001-1389	Parapsychology
BF1404-1999	Occult Sciences
RC435-576	Psychiatry, Psychopathology

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2. Academic Departments, Programs, etc.:

Psychology, Education, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Communications, Sciences Law, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Physical Education.

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3. Collection Levels:

Call No.	Subject Heading	Present	Desired
BF1-172	General Psychology	3a	3c
BF173-175	Psychoanalysis	3a	3c
BF176-179	Psychology	3a	3c
BF180-210	Experimental Psychology	3a	3c
BF231-299	Aesthesiology	2b	3a
BF309-499	Cognition	3a	3c
BF501-510	Motivation	3a	3c
BF511-593	Emotion	3a	3c
BF608-635	Will, Choice	3a	3c
BF636-637	Applied Psychology	3a	3c
BF638-659	Psychology	3a	3c
BF660-685	Comparative Psychology	3a	3c
BF686-697	Psychology	3a	3c
BF698-698.9	Personality	3a	3c
BF699-711	Genetic Psychology	3a	3c
BF712-724.85	Developmental Psychology	3a	3c
BF725-784	Psychology	3a	3b
BF785-839.5	Character	3a	3b
BF840-940	Physiognomy, Phrenology, Graphology, Palmistry	2a	2b
BF1001-1389	Parapsychology	2a	2b
BF1404-1999	Occult Sciences	2a	2b
RC435-576	Psychiatry, Psychopathology	2b	3a

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4. Scope:

	Present	Desired
Scope:	Geographic: Primarily U.S.	no change
Language:	English language materials	no change
Chronological limitations:	None	no change

5. Formats collected/Non-Subject Parameters:

Books, journals, video, DVDs, e-books and tests. There are approximately 100 non-print titles (videos) in the collection. There is an increasing demand for non-print materials but given the average cost of a DVD or video (about $150) it is difficult to fill the demand.

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6. System Coordination and Resource Sharing:

Psychology books and journal articles are the most frequently request interlibrary loan materials.

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7. Electronic Databases:

CSA - PsycInfo, Eric, Sociological Abstracts,l Web of Science, Ethnic NewsWatch, Medline, JSTOR, Anthopology Plus, Biological Sciences, Mental Measurement Yearbook, Sport Discus, ProQuest.

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8. Notable Features:

Excellent coverage of classics in the field and older titles. Checking holdings against Books for College Libraries, 3rd ed., the library owns about 98% of the titles. Database and journal coverage provide the most up-to-date information.

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9. Narrative Statement:

The Psychology department is one of the largest departments on campus. There is an excellent core collection of works from 1900-1990, however, from 1990 forward, the holdings are scattered. Every area needs updating both in the reference and circulating collections. This is a direct result of two things: increased prices coupled with a decreased budget. The largest portion of the Psychology department's allocated funds goes to journal subscriptions. The average cost of a serial title in psychology has gone from $82 in 1987 to $446 in 2004, an increase of 443%. The average cost of a book in psychology has increased from $35 in 1988 to $60 in 2004, a 75% increase. The collection does not meet the increased demand in either books or journals. Another problem is the age and condition of the core collection. Many titles are worn, need binding or replacing, they obviously have a high circulation judging by their condition alone.

The psychology program stresses research, even at the undergraduate level. Student's needs are met through interlibrary loan and Summit requests.

There is an emphasis on cross-cultural studies and that area of the collection needs attention.