Collection Development: Philosophy
I.
Program Description
As stated on the department’s web page, “to have a philosophy is to have a view about the
nature of the world and our place in it. In this sense, every thoughtful person has a
philosophy. The academic study of philosophy enables students to understand the
philosophical choices they make and to reflect on the relationships between their own
views and other philosophical positions. Students in philosophy are introduced to basic
issues concerning knowledge, reality and values as they arise in both classical and
contemporary thought.”
The major in philosophy, which results in a Bachelor of Arts degree, provides a “thorough
grounding in the history of philosophy, an opportunity to reflect on the philosophical
aspects of specific contemporary problems and a balanced exposure to current critical
perspectives on classical philosophical traditions.” Courses in philosophy develop skills in
critical thinking, persuasion, logic, and the effective organization and communication of
ideas orally and in writing.
II.
Interdisciplinary Relationships
The study of philosophy and various philosophical traditions has an historical relationship
with a number of disciplines such as history, sociology, psychology, physics, education
humanistic studies, and religious studies. It also compliments professional programs in
business, nursing, or social work where critical thinking and problem solving abilities are
necessary.
III. Collection Description
A. Library of Congress Classification
The collection is classified in: B (general philosophy including individual philosophers,
schools of philosophical thought, and periods); BC (logic); BD (speculative philosophy);
and BJ (ethics). In light of the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy, however, relevant
materials can be found throughout the library collections.
B. Subject Treatment
Relevance to the current curriculum of the philosophy department is the number one
selection guideline with a focus in areas of present course offerings at Saint Mary’s
College. The collection in philosophy is also supported by other social science collections.
Collecting efforts are aimed at maintaining a well rounded collection for the undergraduate
in all areas of philosophy thus providing a basic collection as curricular and research
interests change. As such, collecting will focus on, but not be limited to, the following
subject areas: classical Greek origins of philosophy through the twentieth century;
seventeenth and eighteenth century Western philosophy; European philosophers of the
nineteenth and twentieth century; non-Western philosophy; American philosophy; feminist
philosophy; logic; and ethics.
C. Languages
English is the primary language of the collection.
1
D. Geographical Limits (subject content)
Are there geographic areas of primary interest? Philosophical traditions/theories of
strong interest?
E. Chronological Coverage
Collecting will span ancient Greece through the twentieth century.
F. Imprint Date
Preference is given to recent publications. Retrospective material will be collected as
deemed appropriate.
IV. Selection and Assessment Tools
Recommendations from the faculty are encouraged and expected. It is assumed that
expertise in their respective fields will guide them in recommending titles for the library to
purchase. Reviews in professional/scholarly journals, publisher’s catalogs, conference
attendance, and association memberships also provide resources from which titles might be
suggested. The collection development librarian along with the other library faculty will
also make recommendations. In addition, the following tools provide useful guidance for
both selection and assessment of the collection:
 Choice reviews Online
o a review source for academic libraries
04/20/09
2