Collection Development Policy
Gender Studies

PROGRAMS AND CLIENTELE SUPPORTED:

Gender Studies is an interdepartmental concentration within the College of Arts and Letters. Coursework has to consist of at least 15 hours chosen from at least two departments. Courses focus on the investigation of gender as an element of relationships in the social order and as a primary category of experience; they examine the embeddedness of gender in social patterns and processes and draw attention to the ways in which ideological conceptions of femininity and masculinity shape human institutions and human development.

Courses are offered by all departments of the College of Arts and Letters and occasionally from departments outside the College. Included in Gender Studies are subjects such as women's studies, feminist theory, men's studies, gay and lesbian theory and studies.

SUBJECT LIAISON:

G. Margaret Porter
Reference Department
117 Hesburgh Library
(574) 631-7620
Porter.2@nd.edu
FAX:  (574) 631-8887

CONSPECTUS:  None

GENERAL COLLECTION GUIDELINES:

Languages:  The primary language is English, with special attention given to pertinent major works in Western European languages.

Chronological:  Primarily within the past 300 years.

Geographical:  Primarily North America (including Canada), and Western Europe, other areas selectively.

Treatment of Subject:  Primarily suitable for undergraduate course support; in some subject areas at the graduate level and in support of research needs of the faculty.

Types of Material:  In addition to books, journals are collected. All other materials such as reference sources, videos, audio, and microforms are acquired when appropriate and affordable.

COORDINATION INFORMATION:

The collection development coordination responsibility lies primarily with the Libraries' Gender Studies Liaison in conjunction with Gender Studies faculty and the program Coordinator and/or Director. The Library Liaison continuously refers to and consults with bibliographers and/or liaison officers in all subject areas, even those outside the College of Arts and Letters, such as Business, Science and Engineering. The Gender Studies collection is greatly enhanced by materials purchased through funds from from other subject areas.

COLLECTING LEVELS:

Gender Studies is a truly multidisciplinary area, therefore the Library of Congress classifications are not useful. Support for Gender Studies is provided by materials purchased on other funds. Of particular interest are materials dealing with feminist theory and criticism across all disciplines as are Literature, Sociology and History which are collected at a 3 and/or 4 lecel; with other relevant materials collected at a 2 and/or 3. The small Gender Studies allocation is used for works and materials uniquely concerned with the interests of the program, as well as to satisfy immediate needs of faculty that cannot be covered by other funds.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The small collection development budget precludes the purchase of expensive items, especially reference sources, microforms and videos. However, the aim is to provide the most significant books and journals, as well as specialized titles and formats requested by faculty in support of their research needs. The collection is also enhanced by materials received on a variety of approval plans. The Library Liaison checks every title received through the following approval plans: Blackwell North America, Harrassowitz, Small Press, French, Irish, and various Latin American and Hispanic.

 

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