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Collection Development for Philosophy

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Additional Criteria

Boston College Libraries

Format Selection

Format decisions follow the General Collection Development Policy by default, but allow for considerations of requester preference, curricular needs, and other factors.

Journals are primarily collected electronically. Monographs may be collected in either format, depending on space, usability and fitness for purpose, and preference of the requestor. Reference works and works which are collections of articles (festschrifts, scholarly companions, etc.) are normally purchased in electronic form. Wherever possible, electronic resources are purchased DRM-free, with perpetual access and unlimited simultaneous users. Print continues to be the only format available, or the least restrictive one, for many significant materials, especially from smaller and international publishers.

Language

The primary language of the collection is English, but primary and secondary literature are also in German, French, and other mainly European languages. Works of major philosophers are collected and maintained both in their original languages and translation.

Currency of the Materials Collected

Acquisitions are focused on current material.