Michigan State University

Collection Development Policy Statement: Cookbook and Food Collection

Analysis of the Subject Field

A. Chronology with Emphasis/Restrictions

Collection spans seven centuries with diet/nutrition related books and cookbooks from throughout the world representing practically every cuisine. Recently published food books and cookbooks are collected through donation primarily.

B. Languages

All languages.

C. Geography

The world's cuisines as represented in cookbooks are collected through donation and acquisition.

D. Format of Resources

Up to this point primarily printed material, but in the future will also collect audio-visual materials (videos/photographs/DVDs dealing with food and drink and their social and cultural implications) if relevant.

E. Date of Publication of Resources Collected

The earliest known cookbook to the most recent, published cookbook in any language from all countries of the world are within the collecting scope of the collection through donation and acquisition. The size, diversity, breadth, and depth of the collection is what makes it a special, unique collection among its peers.