Architecture
Statement of programs and library needs
Library acquisitions in architecture reflect the present and future needs of the Architecture Program in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. The department offers a five-year undergraduate professional degree leading to the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) or a graduate professional degree, the Master of Architecture (MArch). The professional program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. In addition to the professional degree programs, students may pursue a Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.). Areas of study are Building Science, Construction Management, Design Methods and Computing, Facilities Planning and Operations, and Product Research and Design. In the upper levels, student program options include building economics and industry studies, building science, computer applications, construction management, environmental and product design, international development studies and urban design.
Library acquisitions also support other programs in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. Programs share the goal of engaging students in design and management processes employed in shaping the human environment. The programs are: Building Construction, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Affairs and Planning. Graduate programs include Public Administration and Urban Design and Planning.
I. Collection areas
A. Area: Architecture
B. Classes and Levels
C. Chronology
All periods of western architectural production, history and theory, with emphasis on ancient through modern. In addition, the library collects basic materials in all periods of the non-western architectural tradition. Architecture studio programs emphasize contemporary issues and design.
D. Geographic Guidelines
Emphasis is on American and European publishers. Fine architecture books are published internationally and architecture incorporates study abroad as part of its program, thus students and faculty are aware of and look for foreign imprints, especially British, Italian, German and Scandinavian. Major museums of the world publish important art and architectural materials. Japan, too, is a leader in the production of finely illustrated bilingual architectural books.
E. Languages
The study of architecture necessarily involves languages other than English, although the majority of the collection is in English. English is most useful for the undergraduate student, but important materials are available only in German, Italian, Spanish, French, and Japanese. The Scandinavian languages, Russian and Chinese are represented in the collection and other languages as the need arises. Content and the quality of illustration is often more important than the language of the text. Translations of major works are acquired when available.
F. Treatments
The monographic collection reflects the attempt to represent varied approaches to the subject of architecture: pictorial, critical, historical, technical, etc. The collection supports professional education as well as high-level research. Monographs and periodicals indexed in major indexing services form the core of the collection. In addition, the library holds important periodical titles, which although not indexed, represent the most current events in architecture and design. Exhibition catalogs, monographic works in series, and major sets of collected works (buildings and projects) are collected. Limited editions, early imprints of classics, and artist's books are acquired selectively and cataloged for the Office Collection in the branch. Reference materials include periodical indexes, competition listings, handbooks and documents (contracts, for example) for professional practice, materials handbooks, cost and estimating tools, building codes and specifications.
G. Formats
Primarily print for monographs and most journals,though electronic full-text is also of growing importance for journals. Bibliographic databases are available through the Internet. Videos and disks are purchased selectively, most through faculty and student requests. Other important formats include slides and reproductions of architectural drawing sets obtained from architects and firms.
H. Multiple copies
Multiple copies for heavily used titles are purchased selectively. Duplication is usually limited to two copies of the same title. When hold/recalls exceed three, a second copy may be purchased. One copy circulates and the other remains at Reserve.
II. Acquisition Strategy
The Art and Architecture Librarian selects materials. Faculty and student requests are encouraged. Journals, publisher and out-of-print catalogs are examined for current, retrospective and classic titles. Criteria for purchase include relevance to curriculum, demand, need, availability, price, reputation of author, subject and publisher, quality of reproduction, quality and variety of plans, illustrations and diagrams. Starting with 1982, most university press and Princeton Architectural Press (not a university press) books come automatically.
An important guide to the literature is Architecture; A Bibliographic Guide to Basic Reference Works, Histories, and Handbooks. Periodicals regularly routed to the art and architecture librarian: Art Documentation, Design Book Review, Journal (Society of Architectural Historians), and Visual Resources.
III. Collection Notes
Architecture students and faculty use publications in a wide range of subjects: fine and applied arts (architecture students study ceramics, graphics and print-making, for example); engineering and science (environmental issues, structures and materials, climate); and social sciences (urban and regional planning, housing). Materials addressing architecture for the disabled and other special groups are collected. Contact with bibliographers in planning, engineering, communications (photography) and the Special Collections librarian is helpful to avoid duplication and decide locations.
Special programs in the College and closely related to the Architecture program which have an impact on collections include the International Archive of Women in Architecture. The branch library collects monographs and periodicals on women in architecture, and the archive is housed in Special Collections.
Architecture also supports off-campus programs in Lugano and Washington, D.C. The Washington/Alexandria Center maintains a reserve collection and the art and architecture librarian buys selectively for reserve for courses taught by Virginia Tech faculty at both centers.
Popular treatments, textbooks, dissertations from other schools, "coffee-table" and "how to" books (public library materials) are generally not collected. Rare books are not generally kept in the branch library, although cooperative purchases are negotiated with the Special Collections librarian.
Previously neglected areas of architectural production are collected; for example that of Native Americans, women of all lands, Eastern, African and Latin cultures, and African Americans.
Revised 11/2000
