A. Curricular, Research and Programmatic Needs:
The MSU Libraries support the research and teaching needs of faculty and students through the doctoral level in the plant sciences. MSU offers degrees in plant biology through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In addition, this collection will support the research needs of the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden and the MSU Herbarium.
The Department of Plant Biology is highly active and successful in securing grant funding for research in all areas of plant science research. Research areas, topics, and methodologies in the department vary widely, from cellular research to genomics to Michigan's native and non-native flora and associated pollinators. Research data is both quantitative and qualitative in nature.
B. History of the Collection /Existing Strengths and Emphases
Michigan Agricultural College was established in 1855, and soon after the Department of Botany and Vegetable Physiology in 1859. The department has evolved and continues the study of plant science and pathology. Some areas of collection that are emphasized are basic plant science; structural botany; local, regional and international studies of flora and individual plant species; systematics; plant communities; and physiological ecology. All of the related collections are considered to be historical collections.
