Mathematics  Tags: mathematics algebra analysis geometry number_theory  

Mathematics
Collection Development Policy

Purpose of the Collection

The purpose of the collection activity in mathematics is to support the instructional curriculum and research activity in the Mathematics Department through the doctoral level.

Academic Department/Program Description & Curriculum

The Mathematics Department offers undergraduate majors in:  Mathematical Sciences (BS), Mathematics (BA and BS), Economics/Mathematics (BA), and Financial Mathematics and Statistics (BS).  The department offers minors in Mathematics and Mathematics for High School Teaching.

At the graduate level, the department offers the MA degree in Mathematics, MA in Applied Mathematics, and the PhD in Mathematics.

Scope of Coverage

Languages: Although English is the primary language, materials in other languages are also acquired on a selective basis. If at all possible, translations into English are preferred, especially for those materials which are in Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.

Chronological Limits: The emphasis is current materials and research; materials on the history of mathematics are also selectively purchased.

Date of Publication: The emphasis is on recent materials. Retrospective materials may be purchased as the need arises. Reprints of classical works may also be purchased when needed.

Types of Materials

Monographs: Individual titles as well as numbered monographic series are purchased. Textbooks are seldom acquired, especially at the lower division level.

Serials: Both domestic and international serials are purchased. The emphasis is on core journals to satisfy curricular interests. Electronic access is preferred.

Proceedings/Transactions: Major material from international associations, societies, and other learned institutes is acquired.

Reference Materials: Major abstracts and indexes, dictionaries in subject fields, encyclopedic works, handbooks, and other relevant reference materials are acquired. Reference materials have a high priority in acquisition.

Electronic versions: Online versions are considered and are often preferred to print. In addition to the criteria used for judging print materials (authority, content, etc.), other factors are considered. These include:

• Method of access: non-proprietary protocols such as the World Wide Web and document formats such as HTML and PDF are preferred
• Availability: access to the entire campus is preferred to library-only access
• Licensing requirements
• Availability of archives and perpetual access.

Exclusions: Popular books are generally excluded. Materials are generally acquired in one format only.

Materials at Other UC Campuses: In order to provide access to the widest range of resources, priority will be given to materials not readily available through interlibrary loan from other UC libraries.

Sources Outside UCSB: When possible, consortia and cooperative agreements are used to augment collections and maximize the utility of spending. UCSB actively works with other University of California campuses to pool resources, negotiate purchases, and share materials.

Interlibrary loan is used heavily. Many requests for older materials are satisfied through ILL, but if the demand is of a continuing nature the material is considered for acquisition.

Author: Andrea L. Duda.
Policy Last Updated: July 2009