Library Policy Statements

I. PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Department of Political Science offers the BA, MA (Plan A, thesis, and Plan B, non-thesis), and PhD degrees. The department maintains close ties with the East-West Center. At the graduate level, the department stands out in the fields of international relations, political theory, comparative studies, Asian politics, futures studies, and policy analysis.

The graduate program, one of the largest in the United States, encourages scholarly inquiry and intellectual growth across a range of political themes. It is expected that a few students will continue on in graduate work while the majority enter careers and responsibilities in both public service and private organizations with greater analytical and critical faculties. Specialized options are available within the curriculum in the following areas: alternative futures, Asia and Pacific politics, comparative politics, international relations, political behavior, political theory, and public policy.

Areas of active faculty research include classical and critical theoretical perspectives, policy analysis, quantitative computer methods, innovative applications of biological and physical theories to political phenomena, peace and future studies, feminism, politics and media, and many other issues and approaches.

II. COORDINATION OF COLLECTING RESPONSIBILITIES

The department's interests in Asia and the Pacific basin result in heavy use of the Asia, Pacific, and Hawaiian collections. The Government Documents Collection acquires materials from the United States, the United Nations and its affiliates, and the World Bank.

The East-West Center Resource Materials Collection, with its emphasis on non-trade publications, conference papers, official publications, and publications of non-governmental organizations of the Pacific rim nations, supplements the Hamilton Library collection.

The Institute for Peace Resources maintains a collection of books, journals, newsletters and videos on conflict and peace. The collection helps to support a recently approved undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies.

The Legislative Reference Bureau Library contains an extensive collection of state legislative and public administration materials. At present, this library emphasizes current issues and policy oriented materials of interest to the Hawaii Legislature, and de-emphasizes academic and historical materials.

III. GUIDELINES TO MATERIALS COLLECTED OR EXCLUDED

Language:

Predominantly English language materials published in the United States and United Kingdom are collected. A limited number of European language materials are selected at the request of faculty.

Chronological:

The major interest is the 20th and 21st century; retrospective material is acquired for political theory, philosophy, comparative government and politics, and international relations.

Geographic:

Emphasis is on American government and politics, including Hawaii, and Asia and the Pacific. Africa and Europe are of interest; other areas are collected selectively.

Date of Publication:

Although current publications are emphasized, the library acquires materials of earlier date. Older secondary titles are acquired selectively if they are important for research purposes.

Types/Formats of Materials Collected:

Books, serials (including transactions and conference proceedings), microforms, machine-readable formats, U.S. government publications, audiovisual materials and reference tools are all collected. Newspapers, newsmagazines, and journals, as well as statistical materials from and about Asia and the Pacific are collected. Ephemeral materials of community, religious, public, private interest groups and organizations are collected. Both documentary and feature films and videos that illustrate various political phenomena are sought for instructional and research purposes. Electronic resources may be available in a number of formats, including online, CD-ROM, or other digital storage formats.

Treatment:

The emphasis is on political institutions, relationships and behavior.

Date Compiled: 7/01 Compiler: Vicky Lebbin