A. Curricular/Research/Programmatic Needs
The primary purpose of the collection is to supply the literature to support the teaching, research, and clinical practice need of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students and faculty. The Department of Kinesiology engages in disciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborative research that focuses on physical activity and sport across the lifespan, with a special emphasis on youth. Prepare individuals for positions of research and leadership in educational, sport, and clinical settings that educate individuals to lead physically active, healthy lives. The liaison librarian selects materials primarily in consultation with the Kinesiology faculty and graduate students, but also by consulting appropriate professional resources. The library collection contains and supports the following areas: Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Athletic training, Sports Coaching, Leadership and Administration, Biomechanics, Movement Disorders, Growth & Motor development, Sports Management and Mental Health.
B. History of the Collection
MSU's College of Education created the department of Physical Culture & Athletics in 1899. The department has undergone a number of name changes over the years, the most recent being the Department of Kinesiology in 1997. The library has always collected materials in the areas of Exercise, Health, Physical Education and Activity, Biomechanics, and Coaching. The book "100 Years of Kinesiology: History, Research, and Reflections written and edited by former faculty Haubensticker, J.L. and Feltz, D.L. provides an concise review of the department
C. Existing Strengths and Weaknesses
The collection's core mission is to introduce students to the basic physiological, psychological, sociological, and mechanical principles of Kinesiology. Special areas of research strength at MSU that are reflected in collecting decisions include: Exercise Science, Physical Education, Biomechanics, Physical Activity, Athletic Training, Growth, Motor Development, and Psychosocial aspects of sport & physical activity across all ages but with an extra emphasis on youth as highlighted by the Youth Sports Institute. The areas of Sports Administration and Sports Medicine are also covered by Business and Health Sciences. The department is home to 14 Research centers, institutes, and laboratories.