Biology
Statement of programs and library needs
The Department of Biology, located in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers programs leading to the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees.
Research interests in the department are varied but fall into two main research groups which are "ecology and evolution" and "cell and molecular biology." Within these two broad categories are many areas of specialization which include: cell biology, computational biology, ecology, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, mycology, physiology, plant biology, systematics, virology, and zoology. Some of the areas seeing new growth and rising interest both in this department and elsewhere on-campus are biotechnology, computational biology and bioinformatics, cellular and molecular biology, and ecology and ecosystem restoration.
Biology majors have several options or tracks available to them: Bio-Business; Biotechnology; Clinical Laboratory Science, Food Science and Technology; Medical Technology (Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Vet); Microbiology/Immunology; and Physical Therapy (students transfer to Virginia Commonwealth's program after their third year).
Graduate students may designate one of the following subdisciplines: cellular and molecular biology; ecology and environmental science; microbiology and immunology; genetics, systematics, and evolution; and organismal biology (botany, zoology). The department also participates in interdepartmental graduate programs in molecular, cell biology and biotechnology, genetics, and plant physiology and is closely tied to the Fralin Biotechnology Center and the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute.
I. Collection areas
A. Area: Biology (including zoology and botany)
B. Classes and Levels
GC Oceanography, Marine Science Study QH 1-199 Natural History Research QH 201-278 Microscopy Study QH 301-531 General Biology, General Biochemistry, Genetics Research QH 540-705 Ecology, Cytology Research QK 1-474 General Botany Research QK 475-638 Systematic Groups Research QK 641-673 Plant Anatomy, Physiology, Ecology Research QK 710-899 Plant Physiology Research QK 901-977 Plant Ecology Research QL 1-355 Zoology, General Research QL 15-45 Biography, History Study QL 362-460 Invertebrates, except Insects Research QL 461-599 Insects Research QL 605-739 Vertebrates Research QL 750-795 Animal Behavior Research QL 757 Parasitology Research QL 799-991 Morphology, Anatomy, Embryology Research QM Human Anatomy Study QP 1-348 Physiology Research QP 351-495 Neurophysiology and Neuropsychology Research QP 501-801 Animal Biochemistry Research QR 1-175 Microbiology Research QR 180-353 Immunology Research QR 355-484 Virology Research RC 581-600 Immunologic Diseases Study RC 705-779 Respiratory Diseases Study SB 599-999 Pest and Diseases Research SH Fisheries Research SK Wildlife Research
C. Chronology
Emphasis is on the acquisition of current imprints. Some retrospective material is necessary, particularly in systematics and descriptions of habitat and regional flora and fauna, and is purchased as funds and availability allow.
D. Geographic Guidelines
North America is the primary area of interest, particularly the Atlantic Coastal region. Materials are purchased, however, for all regions of the world, especially those items of a general nature, such as regional flora or ecology. More specialized material is also ordered to support specific research interests in the department.
E. Languages
English language materials are of primary interest. Other languages including French, German, Russian, or Spanish are collected selectively, usually through faculty requests.
F. Treatment
Emphasis is on serials and research monographs. Conference proceedings, annual review type publications and treatises, and publications of societies are important. Textbooks and popular treatments provide basic information for many levels of student capabilities and are selectively purchased. Theses and dissertations from other institutions, especially on topics of local and regional ecology and species, may occasionally be purchased, usually through requests from faculty or students. History and biography in any biological area may also be of interest.
G. Formats
Chiefly printed materials with some microforms, especially for government depository items. Electronic full-text is also of growing importance. Bibliographc databases are available through the Internet. Videos on a variety of topics, such as human anatomy and ecology, are sometimes acquired upon faculty request. The Libraries also support access to key bibliographic databases in the life sciences.
H. Multiple copies
Multiple copies are purchased for heavily used titles as funds permit. Newer editions of classic works are acquired whenever possible.
II. Acquisition Strategy
The majority of materials are selected by the bibliographer for biology, with priority given to requests from faculty and students. The Libraries maintain an approval plan for books from many university press and significant trade publishers along with subscriptions and standing orders for many important serials. Retrospective purchases are made from time to time as funds and availability coincide. Government documents of importance in this area come by deposit. Gifts are not a significant means of acquisitions.
III. Collection Notes
The biology collection must provide materials for study and research for all basic life sciences, including general biology, cytology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, microscopy, microbiology, and parasitology. These materials are also utilized in all agriculture and medical programs, forestry and fisheries and wildlife sciences, and in some chemical and engineering programs. Usage is heavy in many areas due to multiple overlapping interests and programs in several departments.
Revised 10/2000
