Building construction

Statement of programs and library needs

Library acquisitions in Building Construction reflect the present and future needs of the Department of Building Construction in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. The Department offers a four year program leading to the B. S. degree. The program focuses on four areas: building science, construction management, facilities planning, and construction and operation. Courses of study include construction practices; structural, mechanical, and electrical systems; soil mechanics; construction materials; land development, estimating, scheduling and cost engineering, contract specifications, law, and environmental systems.

Library acquisitions also support the architecture programs. Graduate courses in building construction are offered in Blacksburg and at the Alexandria Center. A student working on a M.S. in Architecture may concentrate on Building Science and Construction Management.

I. Collection areas

A. Area: Building Construction

 

B. Classes and Levels

NA   Architecture      		Research
TA   Engineering - General, 
     Civil Engineering  	Research
TD   Air Quality Management	Research
TH   Building Construction	Research

C. Chronology

Current publishing is emphasized, with historical subjects acquired selectively.

D. Geographical Guidelines

Emphasis is on materials published in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

E. Languages

Englis.

F. Treatment

Monographs and periodicals form the nucleus of the collection. Technical publications, upper-level handbooks, manuals and texts on processes and materials are maintained in their latest editions. Earlier editions are retained selectively for historical studies. Statistical materials, contract specifications, estimating and cost tools, legal materials, and government documents are important to the building construction curriculum. Building codes are collected and kept up to date. Reference materials also include licensing regulations and examination handbooks, materials handbooks, dictionaries, and directories. Periodicals reflect a balance between titles indexed in major indexing services and trade oriented journals or newsletters.

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. Materials such as directories, specifications and codes are increasingly published in electronic format. Videos are acquired at faculty request.

H. Multiple copies

Multiple copies are purchased for heavily-used reserve titles, although duplication is usually limited to two copies of the same title. When hold/recalls reach three, a second copy is considered. Often the best policy is to have one copy circulate and the other remain at reserve.

II. Acquisition Strategy

Materials are selected for purchase by the art and architecture librarian. Building construction faculty are encouraged to suggest materials and review the collection. Students are encouraged to suggest titles as well. Criteria for purchase include relevance to curriculum, demand, need, availability, price, reputation of author and publisher, quality of diagrams, plans, etc. Starting in 1982, most university press books come automatically. Major trade publishers must be monitored closely. Periodical holdings are reviewed annually for additions and cancellations.

Periodicals regularly routed to the librarian include Building and Environment.

III. Collection Notes

Theses and dissertations from other institutions, lower division textbooks, and popular "how-to" books are rarely purchased.

Building construction students and faculty use a wide range of materials. The art and architecture librarian discusses acquisitions with bibliographers in the areas of engineering, economics and business, and law.

Revised 11/2000