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Spring 2005, update of February 2001
Lois Widmer
Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math, Physics (including Astronomy)
The purpose of the collection is to support the research and curricular efforts of faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students in the sciences, and the larger Brandeis community. Materials are chosen that provide brief factual data or subject access to the scientific literature. The six core science disciplines, listed above, are covered extensively
The Science Reference collection selectively includes resources for Environmental Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, and Earth Sciences. Some Psychology resources are also available, although Goldfarb Library has primary responsibility for this discipline. For these subjects only major reference tools or those with a local focus are acquired.
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Primarily U.S.
Twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with an emphasis on the last ten to twenty years. For historical materials, see the statement on the History of Science.
Acquisitions are almost exclusively of current materials. For historical materials, see the statement on the History of Science.
Current acquisitions are almost exclusively in English, with the main exception being foreign language and foreign language to English scientific dictionaries.
Although books and monographic series are still an essential format in reference collection, electronic reference resources are increasing. In cases where an electronic version is available, that format is often the priority, provided cost, license terms and user interfaces meet acceptable standards.
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Atlases: Biomedical atlases and Star catalogs
Bibliographies: Subject bibliographies and guides to literature, including Government Documents and technical reports
Dictionaries and Encyclopedias: Some foreign language dictionaries are purchased. Encyclopedias in subject areas that are only selectively covered by the circulating collection are purchased as a means of providing the minimum coverage necessary for a research institution. Duplication of Main reference materials is avoided as much as possible.
Directories: Biographical, scientific societies, discipline specific, medical, colleges and universities.
Handbooks and Tables: Especially data compendia, field guides, and manuals. Laboratory handbooks are usually allowed to circulate, and not kept in reference.
Bibliographic Databases/Indexes/Abstracts: The electronic format of bibliographic databases is preferred but selected print back issues are also maintained. Subject indexes are the primary type of material, with the major exception being indexes to conference literature.
Technical Writing: Research and report writing, style manuals (for the sciences), grant manuals
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