Geological sciences
The Department of Geological Sciences offers programs of study leading to degrees through the Ph.D. level. As part of the B.S. degree in geological sciences, there are options in Geology, Geochemistry, and Geophysics.
Areas of active research include regional geology, sedimentology, structural geology, tectonics, stratigraphy, hydrology, paleontology, paleoecology, seismology, exploration geophysics, crystallography, fluid inclusion studies, mineral synthesis, isotope chemistry, geochemistry, ore deposits, and igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary petrology.
The department is active in field and laboratory studies which literally span the world. Closer to home, the department also oversees the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory which maintains a network of seismograph stations in Virginia and West Virginia. In addition, the Geology Museum houses an impressive collection of over 70,000 mineralogical and paleontological specimens.
I. Collection areas
A. Area: Geological Sciences
B. Classes and Levels
GB Physical Geography. Geomorphology Study GC Oceanography. Marine Sediments Study QB Astronomy. Geodesy. Astrophysics Study QC 350-495 Light. Optics Study QC 801-809 Geophysics Research QC 811-849 Geomagnetism Research QC 851-999 Meteorology Basic QD 901-999 Crystallography Research QE Geology Research QH Natural History. Evolution. Paleoecology Research QL 362-450 Zoology. Invertebrates. Fossils Research TA 501-625 Surveying Basic TA 705-710 Engineering Geology Study TN Mining Engineering. Metallurgy Research
C. Chronology
Emphasis is on the acquisition of current imprints; however, a strong retrospective collection is maintained.
D. Geographic Guidelines
Worldwide coverage is attempted with a strong focus on local and regional geology.
E. Languages
English is the primary language of the collection. Other languages including French, German, Russian, and Spanish are collected selectively. Translations are generally preferred when available.
F. Treatment
Emphasis is on research monographs and upper-level and graduate-level texts. Specialized monographs and reference materials are acquired depending on budget and current research interests in the Geological Sciences Department. Conference proceedings, bibliographies, state and federal publications, biographies, and historical treatments of the subject are also purchased selectively.
G. Formats
Chiefly printed materials including books, journals, and maps. Microforms are common, however, for government depository items. Electronic full-text is also of growing importance. Bibliographic databases are available through the Internet. Selected indexes and data compilations are 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
The geology bibliographer selects materials for purchase, 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 Geological Society of America. United States Geological Survey publications and maps are acquired through the depository program or directly from the USGS. Maps, foreign publications, and official state geological survey publications are acquired as gifts whenever possible or purchased as necessary. Retrospective purchases are made from time to time as funds and availability coincide.
III. Collection Notes
Lower-level college textbooks are usually not purchased except by request for reserve purposes. Newsletters and newspapers are often held only on a limited retention basis. Theses and dissertations from other institutions are generally not acquired, except those dealing with regional geology. Major areas of overlap with other disciplines include biology, chemistry, civil engineering, mining, and physics.
Revised 10/2000
