Scope and Purpose:
Within the library collection, many subject classes bear the name of geography: geography, mathematical geography, physical geography, human geography, and economic geography. In addition, subjects such as cartography, demography, meteorology, geographic information systems, soils, geomorphology, aerial photography, urban and regional planning, and environmental and resource planning are collected for the Department of Geography and Planning. To support the department’s curriculum, acquisition needs to be at an advanced study level in all of these subject areas. The departments of economics, geology, history, political science, sociology, urban studies, and marketing also use materials acquired for support of the Department of Geography and Planning.
Curriculum:
Five degrees are offered by the Department of Geography and Planning: bachelor or arts, bachelor of science in geography/cartography, master of arts in geography, master of science in geography, and master of arts in geography/urban planning. Courses required for these degrees include human, physical and economic geography, climatology, cartography, spatial analysis, remote sensing of the environment, and research methodology. In addition, there are courses that cover various geographical areas of the world, geographic information systems, land use analysis, regional planning, transportation planning, and site selection for industry.
Geographical Coverage:
The entire world is the subject matter of this department. However, special attention is given to North America, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Materials on other geographical areas may be collected at the initial study level.
Language:
English language materials are primarily acquired. Some purchases are made for resources published in Spanish, French, and German.
Period Coverage:
Materials of geographical interest, regardless of the time period covered, are collected, but recent publications are acquired almost exclusively. Classic titles and reprints are sought when required by the curriculum and consist of about ten percent of the collection.
Publication Types:
Scholarly studies, professional works, handbooks, research reports and research data are the major types of publications acquired on this fund.
Formats:
Printed books and serials make up about eighty-five percent of the collection, with maps and atlases about ten percent, and computer software and digital data about five percent.
Remote Sources:
Since it is impossible to acquire all materials required by the department, heavy use of OhioLink and interlibrary loan is expected.
Exclusions:
The Law Library collects legal materials on geographic topics, and the Science and Technology Library collects some resources on geographic information systems, meteorology, soils and geomorphology.
Policy Revised: 02-2004
Return to Subject Resources for Geography
Demographic Data on the Web
Geographic Information Systems
Maps
Topographical Maps - USGS
Urban and Regional Planning