French

Purpose

The Collection Development policy is used as a guide to shape relevant collections and to ensure consistency in collection development. The decision to purchase library materials is primarily the responsibility of the Collections Librarian in consultation with faculty in the Department.

This policy has been developed by John McCallum, the Collections Librarian, in cooperation with and endorsed by Milo Sweedler, the Department Faculty Library Liaison, and the Department Chair.

Focus

• To support teaching, study and research up to the Honours level, as well as to support faculty research.
• In 2007, a proposal for a Master’s program in Languages, Discourses and Cultures will probably raise the level of emphasis in certain areas.

Scope

• Language: Generally, French and French dialects. Important works in English on French language, literature and culture may be purchased. French translations of important works on French language, literature and culture may be purchased, regardless of the original language of the work. English translations of works by French writers will be charged to the French Section’s fund if said writers are studied in translation in a course offered by the Department. Otherwise, translations will be charged to the library’s General Fund.
• Chronological Period: No special limitations
• Geographical Areas: the principal areas are: France and French-speaking Canada, North Africa, Central Africa and Caribbean. However, important works of French language, literature and culture produced anywhere in the world may also be collected.

Types, formats, and readership of materials collected

• Materials with academic-level readership are selected
• Web-based formats for reference sources, journals and indexing sources are preferred. Print and microform are considered for reason of cost, availability, expected use or long term access.
• Single copies of books in print formats are generally selected. Web-based formats are selected on a title by title basis, especially if the title is of interest to users at multiple Laurier campuses. Duplication of print across Laurier campuses is generally avoided.
• Excluded types include textbooks, abridgements, study aids, limited editions, works by vanity presses, partial contents (eg. single issues of journals, electronic versions of single chapters of books).
• Reprints and facsimiles. Cost/benefit considerations must be weighed carefully. Where cost is judged to be excessive (say, more that n 50% above the average cost of a new publication), the item will not be purchased if already available at U. of W. or U. of Guelph or, this not being the case, purchased only if it is deemed indispensable.

Subjects collected and collecting priorities

Collecting priorities are categorized into 3 levels:

A - highest emphasis

The collection includes major published materials required to support the core teaching and research at the highest degree level offered by the Department.

B - secondary emphasis

The collection includes a selection of materials to complement the discipline as a whole, although it may not be a primary focus for courses.

C - selective emphasis

Materials, including reference materials and basic journals and indexes are collected to introduce and define an area.

Related programs and support

Consortial purchases with the TriUniversity Group of Libraries (Guelph, Waterloo, Laurier university libraries), with the Ontario Council of University Libraries, and on a national level, are pursued.