Policy Last Updated: February 7, 2020 Subject: Medieval Studies PurposeThe 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 Greg Sennema, the Collections Librarian, in cooperation with and endorsed by Dr. Chris Nighman, the Program Coordinator.FocusMedieval studies is a broad category of study that examines cultural materials from the era c. 500-1500 AD. The Library collection supports teaching, study, and research at the undergraduate degree level, especially in support of current courses. Areas of interest include myths, philosophy, history, heroic stories, theology, combat, fine arts, language, military history, manuscripts, literature, politics, music, economics, calligraphy, urban studies, architecture, language history, images, philosophy of science, cultural studies, gender studies, and many other areas and disciplines. Medieval studies also include courses in medievalism, that is, the study of the representations of medieval cultures in modern or contemporary cultures.ScopeLanguage: works written or translated into English are preferredPlace of Publication: priority is given to materials published in North America and the United KingdomDates of Publication: emphasis is placed on recently published worksChronological Period: focus is on the period from c. 100-1500 AD and on medievalism in contemporary worksGeographical Areas: priority is given to works with a focus on Western culturePublishers: scholarly trade and university publishers are given priorityTypes, formats, and readership of materials collectedMaterials with academic-level readership are selectedWeb-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.Excluded types include textbooks, abridgements, study aids, limited editions, works by vanity presses, reprints and partial contents (eg. single issues of journals, electronic versions of single chapters of books).Manuscript materials may also be selectedSubjects collected and collecting prioritiesCollecting priorities are categorized into 3 levels:A - highest emphasisThe collection includes major published materials required to support the core teaching and research at the highest degree level offered by the Department.B - secondary emphasisThe 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 emphasisMaterials, including reference materials and basic journals and indexes are collected to introduce and define an area.Subjects collectedClassificationCollecting priorityPhilosophy (see also: Philosophy collection policy)B720 - B765AMedieval witchcraftBF1569BMedieval history (Christianity) (see also: Religion and Theology collection policy)BR250 - BR275AMedieval history (civilization)Cb312 - CB356AChivalryCR4509 - CR4513AMedieval history (see also: History collection policy)D111 - D203AMedieval history (French)DC35 - DC599AMedieval customsGT120 - GT128, GT160, GT3520BMedieval recreation / leisureGV41 - GV44CMedieval economic theoryHB78 - HB79CMedieval family / womenHQ513, HQ1143AMedieval citiesHT115BMedieval stateJC109 - JC130BMedieval music (see also: Music collection policy)ML170 - ML190AMedieval artN5960 - N6320CMedieval architectureNA350 - NA489CMedieval sculptureNB170 - NB185CMedieval paintingND140 - ND141CMedieval illuminationND2920 - ND2990CMedieval stained glassNK5344CMedieval literature (general) (see also: English collection policy)PN661 - PN694ARelated programs and supportConsortial 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.As noted, related materials are also purchased by other departments and programs, such as Philosophy, Religion and Culture, History, Music, English, Language and Literatures.The University of Waterloo also offers a program in Medieval Studies.