Science and technology studies
Statement of programs and library needs
The Center for Science and Technology Studies is a unit within the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Its purpose is to support research projects that contribute to an understanding of the relations between science technology and society. Due to the cultural significance and social impact of science and technology on society, the program seeks to foster research and instruction through multidisciplinary methods.
The Center is a department - level unit within the College of Arts and Sciences and is responsible for the Science and Technology Studies Graduate Program. It cooperates most closely with the departments of History, Philosophy, and Sociology. An M.S. and Ph.D are offered, as well as an undergraduate concentration in Humanities, Science, and Technology. The faculty of the Center teach a variety of undergraduate courses through other departments.
I. Collection areas
A. Area: Science in Society
B. Classes and Levels
B 9-5739 Philosophy, History Levels as indicated in more BF Psychology specific policies. BL 660-2670 Religions, History D History, General E History, America HM Sociology, General HN Social History Q Science, General R 131-684 History of Medicine RA Public aspects of medicine T Technology, General
C. Chronology
Emphasis is on the multidisciplinary facets of the program. The five main research interests form the basis of our collection development strategy: scientific change, history and philosophy of technology, foundations of biology, key periods in the history of science, twentieth century science and technology. Works in all of these areas are acquired as available.
D. Geographic Guidelines
Primary emphasis is on the impact of science and technology in the United States.
E. Languages
English is the primary language of the collection.
F. Treatment
Materials pertaining to the history of philosophy and to the history of sociology, as well as historical studies in several scientific disciplines are collected extensively. Biographies of scientists and critical interpretations of their works are collected selectively. Monographs and periodicals form the nucleus of the collection. The library collects basic indexes, abstracts, and encyclopedias relating to the field.
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 are acquired upon faculty request, funds permitting.
H. Multiple copies
Multiple copies of heavily used works are acquired as funds permit.
II. Acquisition Strategy
The majority of the titles in the collection are selected by the bibliographer for science studies. Criteria for selection include: needs; demand (specific faculty requests); availability of item, price; importance of the author or the work in the subject field. The libraries maintain an approval plan for university press books as well as those published by outstanding trade publishers. The serials collection is reviewed periodically for the purpose of canceling some subscriptions and adding other important basic subscriptions.
III. Collection Notes
Textbooks are not purchased. Popular treatment of scientific topics pertinent to the discipline are acquired selectively. Theses and dissertations from other institutions are not collected unless specifically requested by a faculty member.
The problems raised by science and technology upon society have an impact on practically all of the disciplines within the University. This strong interdisciplinary emphasis has resulted in awareness of the importance of the program in a research institution and enlists participation from faculty and students in a cooperative venture with many diverse departments throughout the University.
Revised 11/2000
