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Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy
Philosophy and Psychology (100-199)
The philosophy/psychology collection consists of works by and about all major philosophers and philsophies, Western and Eastern, ancient and modern. Subjects included in this area are metaphysics, epistomology, ethics, logic, the paranormal, and psychology. The largest and most
heavily used part of this collection is the 150-158s which contain classic works. Included in the scope of the psychology collection are histories of psychology, collected and complete works of classic psychologists, secondary sources relating to them, and numerous works of popular psychology and self-help. Other subject concentrations include spiritualism, historical works on witchcraft and magic, and works of parapsychology that appeal to the general adult public. The circulating collection is augmented by such reference tools as Mental Measurements Yearbooks, The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and journals of interest to the general public. MGPL continues to purchase psychology/philosophy/paranormal titles of general interest to satisfy the interests and needs of Library clientele.
Influencing Factors
The Library generally buys what is reviewed in the areas of philosophy and psychology in standard reviewing sources, concentrating on titles of popular appeal and those accessible to the informed non-professional reader. Generally, readers desire materials for self-education and pleasure while supplementary educational materials are needed to serve the interests of students. Considerable media coverage on the ethical ramifications of social, medical, business, professional and environmental questions stimulates patron interest and demand.
100-190
Materials in 100-119 (metaphysics), 120s (epistemology, causation, humankind), 140s (specific philosophical schools and viewpoints), 160s (logic), 180s (ancient, medieval oriental philosophy), and 190s (modern western and other non-Oriental philosophy) are purchased on the basis of appeal to the general lay public.
150-158
Strong continued interest in psychology and psychiatry on the part of MGPL patrons is a decisive factor in selection; new, current titles in psychology are purchased as local demand indicates. Psychoanalysis, both Freudian and Jungian has declined in interest, and so has the emphasis on these materials. Patrons are more interested in titles on emotional and behavioral disorders and in psychotherapy in general. The theories of Jung have had a strong influence on the women's spirituality/Goddess movement and likewise on men's psychospiritual explorations in the manner of Robert Bly. Patron interest remains high in materials on interpersonal relations and in child and adolescent pyschology, and on death and grieving.
170-179
Titles on ethics of general adult and student interest are in great demand and will be emphasized in in purchases for the collection.
150-159
Strong continued interest in psychology and psychiatry on the part of MGPL patrons is a decisive factor in selection; attempts are made to supplement the strong CAP collection in psychology with new, current titles. Psychoanalysis, both Freudian and Jungian is of great interest. The theories of Jung have had a strong influence on the women' spirituality/Goddess movement and likewise on men's psychospiritual explorations in the manner of Robert Bly.
180-189
As there are many adherents to Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism in Morton Grove, there is potential interest in the titles dealing with Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist philosophy, and hatha and other forms of yoga.
Selection Plan
The Library will continue to buy popular and high quality paranormal and behavioral titles of interest to the public library patron. These selections will be chosen from the standard reviewing tools, with supplementary sources such as publishers' catalogs, university press catalogs, and other specialized aids. Because of the large number of popular titles in this subject area, the author or publisher's reputation is of prime importance in the selection of materials.
Retention & Weeding
Generally, paranormal titles should be retained giving due consideration to the physical condition of the book. Psychology materials should be weeded to assure current accuracy and to reflect new research, although most classic titles need to be retained. Most philosophy titles should be kept, due to occasional patron interest since the Library has somewhat more in the field than the other JCPL libraries.
150-158
The historical titles represented in this part of the collection should be retained and supplemented with new, current titles reflecting interests of the Library community. Self help titles can be withdrawn when the demand for them has decreased.
150-159
CAP purchases should be retained if at all possible given the historical emphasis of this part of the collection. Self help titles can be withdrawn when the demand for them has decreased.
Development Plan
The Library should continue to purchase well-reviewed titles on behavior, the paranormal, and popular advice and self help titles that are readily accessible to the informed layperson. In addition, titles on Asian and Middle Eastern schools of thought should be considered as additions to the collection to provide a broader range of coverage.
150-159
The Library should acquire specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias as they are available to supplement circulating holdings.
150-159
The Library should acquire specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias as they are available to supplement circulating holdings.
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