Science in Human Affairs


A. Purpose and Program Description

The Libraries seek to support research in contemporary political and social studies of technology and society, science and the state, ecology, and environment. It supports the needs of undergraduate, MA/MS students, Ph.D. students, the teaching faculty, post-docs, and research staff members. There is no single degree-granting program in this area, but students in many disciplines have interests in these topics.

New courses include the political and social aspects of environmental regulation.

Areas of established specialization are nuclear policy, control of nuclear wastes and arms proliferation.

B. General Selection Guidelines (see classed analysis for detailed statement)

Overall, the Libraries’ existing collection and current acquisitions commitment, based upon available resources, for Science in Human Affairs are at the study and teaching level. Its collecting goal, however, is at the research level.

C. Specific Delimitations

  1. Formats collected: We collect reference tools extensively and maps, annuals, monographs, textbooks, dissertations, CD-Roms, other electronic tools, periodicals and scholarly series selectively. Audio-visual materials, newspapers and textbooks are excluded.
  2. Imprint Dates Collected: We collect all materials selectively.
  3. Chronological Focus: We collect current and 20th century themes selectively. Earlier periods are excluded.
  4. Languages Collected: We collect primarily English language materials and Western European language materials very selectively.
  5. Place of Publication: We collect North American materials and Western European publications selectively.