Mathematics

Introduction
Selection criteria

• General scope
• Language
• Format

Other collections and resources
Collection development policy review for Mathematics

Introduction

The Library does not aim to have a research collection covering the whole of mathematics, but will acquire research material which is relevant to discrete mathematics and the applications of mathematics in the social sciences. The policy for mathematics as a whole is to provide a working collection to teaching support level. For details of collection levels see in part one of this document: Principles of collection policy.

The policy for developing the collections in Mathematics needs to be seen within the context of the complete acquisitions policy. The interdisciplinary nature of the social sciences and its publications means that subject boundaries cannot always be easily determined and described in isolation. Mathematics and its applications thus extend also into Statistics, Operational Research, Economics, Accounting and Finance and other areas. Please refer also to the policy statements for these subjects.

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Selection criteria

General scope

The following are topics on which the library will consider the acquisition of research material:

Discrete Mathematics
Game Theory
Graph Theory
Combinatorics
Mathematical Economics
Computational Learning Theory
Mathematical Finance
Mathematics of Elections and Voting Procedures

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Language

Material will normally be collected in English, but important works in other European languages may also be collected.

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Format

No distinction is made regarding format of material. The Library will therefore collect relevant material in print, microform, video, electronic format (eg CD-ROM), and provide access to electronic journals and remotely held databases.

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Other collections and resources

To some extent we rely on collections elsewhere, especially University College, which for houses a major collection in this subject, including the library of the London Mathematical Society. Researchers are advised to make use of this collection through our collaborative arrangements. We thus avoid expensive duplication within the University of London. The Library is aware that if conditions of institutional collaboration begin to change this situation may no longer be satisfactory and may need to be reviewed.

In addition the Library is actively pursuing other means of information provision such electronic journals and document delivery. MathSciNet, the database of the American Mathematical Society for example, is now available via the Electronic Library. Please also refer to the electronic journal section of the Library webpages which offers a number of relevant journals online. The Library also participates in LAMDA, an interlibrary loans project which offers rapid electronic delivery of journal articles.

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Collection development policy review for Mathematics

This collection development policy will be reviewed on a regular basis in the light of the following: developments in teaching, the interests of the Department and other departments in the School, and relationships with other libraries with whom collaborative arrangements exist. Such reviews will be conducted in co-operation with the Department of Mathematics

Reviewed 02/05

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