Download Physics

Earl K. Long Library
Physics Collection Development Policy
Purpose
The collection supports present and anticipated teaching and research in the field of physics. At present,
the central focus of the department and the chief interests of the faculty are encompassed in the following
areas of teaching and research: acoustics (including ocean and underwater acoustics), astrophysics and
interstellar media, computational fluid dynamics, condensed matter and materials science, deconvolution
and spectral estimation, geophysics, geophysical fluid dynamics, magnetism, magnetic nanoparticles,
and magnetic tunneling, nanolithographic patterning, non-linear dynamics, optics and optical properties
of condensed matter, physics education research, shock wave physics, signal processing, surface
physics, thermodynamics, thermoelectric materials, and thin films.
The department offers a BS in Physics and in addition to the core Physics curriculum, the department
also offers several courses for non-majors including astronomy, conceptual physical science and the
physics of music. The Department also offers the Master of Science in Physics and the Master of
Science in Applied Physics degrees. The M.S. program in Applied Physics allows students to concentrate
in areas such as applied mathematics, applied physics, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science,
engineering, acoustics, and geophysics. In addition, the Department of Physics participates in an
interdisciplinary PhD degree in Engineering and Applied Science involving faculty from the College of
Engineering and the College of Sciences. There are a number of physics faculty who are actively
involved in the Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI)--a multidisciplinary research institute that
provides a unique opportunity to develop novel research ideas that ultimately involve the government,
private, and academic sectors in the conception and development of research programs.
The programs in physics have a natural interrelation with degree programs in the Mathematics
Department, the Computer Science Department, the Department of Earth and Environmental Science,
and all programs in engineering.
In addition to the support for the specific degree programs of the Physics Department, the collection,
especially in view of its broad interdisciplinary nature, also serves as a resource for undergraduates and
graduate students and faculty members in chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental
science, and mathematics. Related colleges, departments and programs covering subjects of interest to
physics include: the College of Engineering, Departments of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Earth
and Environmental Science.
Language
The primary language of acquisition is English. Materials in Russian (English translation) are also
considered.
Chronological Guidelines
By the nature of their work, current research in Physics is of primary importance, although some aspects
of Physics tend not to be dated. Some items may be of interest as part of the history of Physics.
Revised 2011
Geographical Guidelines
Geographical guidelines are not relevant to collection development in physics.
Treatment of Subject
Theory and applied research related to mechanical and electronic devices are most important. The highlevel caliber and the cutting edge nature of works in physics suggest that current materials (printed and
electronic) should be the primary focus for collection. Textbooks should be given secondary consideration
for collection development and are collected on a selective basis.
Types of Materials
Monographs and serial publications form the basis for acquisitions. Because of ongoing developments in
the fields listed above, special attention should be given to individual works as well as monographic
series and multi-volume sets in these areas of interest. Reference materials, including handbooks and
dictionaries are acquired if money is available. Theses and dissertations from other institutions are
collected on a very selective basis.
Date of Publication
Emphasis is on materials published within the last five years. Current materials are important but not
exclusive. Archival materials also have a high priority.
Related Policy Statements
Related to Physics are the following disciplines:
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Computer Science
Engineering
Earth & Environmental Science
Mathematics
Biological Sciences
Revised 2011