Michigan State University

Collection Development Policy Statement: Anthropology

Factors Influencing Collection Policy

A. Anticipated Future Trends 

Changes in curriculum, changes in faculty, and new interests in the various sub disciplines will influence the Collection. Methods and technology for analysis in anthropology evolve and grow over time, and the collection needs to reflect these changes. 

B. Relationships with other resources 

Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field of study so there are many possible ties to other resources.  A close tie exists between the Department and the MSU Museum as the Museum holds collections jointly with the Anthropology department. 

As Anthropology is a very place-based discipline, Area Studies collections and expertise supplement the Anthropology collection. Linguistics is another collection area that is important to the Anthropology collection. 

C. Relationships to Resources Treated in Other Policy Statements 

Because Anthropology covers such a broad range of subjects, it is assumed that there may be some occasional overlap with many other collection areas, especially Area Studies and Linguistics. Geography, ethnic studies, religious studies, environmental studies are other particular areas that the collection may especially overlap with. Cultural heritage preservation is a specific anthropological topic that may overlap with Urban Planning and Tourism. 

Classical studies has a strong overlap with history, and especially early medieval history and art history. Religious studies and philosophy are also collection areas that overlap with Classical topics.