Chemistry

Statement of programs and library needs

The Department of Chemistry, which is accredited by the American Chemical Society, offers two undergraduate programs, the M.S., and the Ph.D.

The primary curriculum leading to the B.S. degree provides the theoretical and practical instruction in chemistry and allied fields necessary for the pursuit of graduate study in chemistry or for a career as a professional chemist. The other alternative, which leads to a B.A. degree, is designed to allow for more elective courses and is well suited for students interested in professional school, business, or teaching and/or who wish to pursue a double major. In both programs degree options are available in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, environmental chemistry, and adhesive and sealant science. For graduate students, specializations in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and polymer chemistry are available with the MS and Ph.D. programs.

Research is conducted in a wide variety of areas including analytical and environmental chemistry, chemical instrumentation, synthetic and theoretical inorganic and organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, natural products, organometallic chemistry, physical and surface chemistry, thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, and molecular dynamics.

Many of the department's research programs are interdisciplinary in nature. Through research projects, students and faculty maintain close ties with other departments such as biochemistry, biology, chemical, electrical, and materials engineering, geology, physics, and forestry. Research Centers which are affiliated with the Chemistry Department include the following: the Harvey W. Peters Research Center for the Study of Parkinson's Disease and Disorders of the Central Nervous System, the Center for Adhesive and Sealant Science, and the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for the Study of High Performance Adhesives and Composites.

I. Collection areas

A. Chemistry

 

B. Classes and Levels

QC450-467    Spectroscopy    			 Research
QD1-66       Chemistry (General)                 Research
QD71-142     Analytical Chemistry                Research
QD146-199    Inorganic Chemistry                 Research
QD241-441    Organic Chemistry                   Research
QD450-731    Physical & Theoretical Chemistry    Research
QD901-951    Crystallography 			 Research

C. Chronology

Emphasis is on the acquisition of current imprints; however, a strong retrospective collection is maintained.

D. Geographic Guidelines

Emphasis is chiefly on materials published in the United States or Europe. However, since the discipline of chemistry is indeed global, all geographic areas are potentially relevant.

E. Languages

English language materials are of primary interest. Other languages including French, German, Russian, or Spanish are collected selectively, usually through faculty request. Translations are generally preferred when available.

F. Treatment

Upper-level and graduate-level texts are purchased selectively along with conference proceedings. Specialized monographs and reference works are acquired depending on budget and current research interests in the Chemistry Department. Lower level texts are generally not purchased except as needed to maintain a well-rounded undergraduate collection. Historical and biographical treatments may also be of interest.

G. Formats

Chiefly printed materials. These including not only monographs and journals but also data compilations such the Sadtler Spectra handbooks. Electronic full-text is also of growing importance. Bibliographic databases are available through the Internet. Videos are generally purchased only if requested by a faculty member. Data sets, such as the electronic versions of Beilstein and Gremlin, and selected bibliographic indexes, are also made available in machine-readable form.

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

Materials are selected by the bibliographer for chemistry with priority given to faculty and student requests. 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. An effort is made to acquire nearly everything published by the American Chemical Society. 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 collection is used extensively by students and faculty in the Chemistry Department as well as by those in other related disciplines throughout the University. Extensive use of the collection is also made through interlibrary loan and by researchers in many of the industries throughout the area.

Revised 10/2000