Michigan State University

Collection Development Policy Statement: Social Work

Analysis of the Subject Field

A. Chronology of the Subject: Emphasis/Restrictions

Emphasis is comprehensive.

Social Work evolved and continues to evolve and develop in response to societal needs and concerns.  Therefore, materials addressing services to a wide range of populations, defined in any number of ways, will form the crux of the collection.  Current materials are emphasized over historical materials.

B. Languages of Resources Collected; Exclusions/Emphasis/Translations

The primary language of resources collected will be English. It appears that the desired international perspective and international information is currently available in English. The appropriate subject bibliographer will consider monographs in French, German, and the Slavic languages. Translations may be selected.

C. Geography of the Subject; Emphasis, Restrictions

Emphasis is primarily on the United States and major works from Great Britain are also collected, but sources are collected from a wide perspective of different regions. A special focus is placed on books from the perspective of the global south and underrepresented communities. 

D. Format of the Resources Collected; Restrictions, if any

All appropriate formats, including print, electronic, and audio-visual are collected.  Audio-visual (films) play an important role for Social Work and should be collected to support the curriculum.  Electronic formats are of important consideration for serving the distance programs offered by Social Work. Practitioner manuals for social work practice are collected. Numeric datasets and statistical sources are collected; preference is given to electronic formats. Faculty produced digital datasets may be collected in a variety of formats; primarily text and numeric based data are expected.

E. Date of Publication of Resources Collected; Emphasis, If Any

With the exception of essential historical works, important classics, or reprints as needed, materials published within the immediate past five years should be collected.