Library Policy Statements

I. PROGRAM INFORMATION

Agricultural and Resource Economics is part of the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Department. Agricultural and Resource Economics deals primarily with the practical application of economic theory and analytical methods to diverse aspects of the commercial food and fiber industries. Analyses of public-sector projects and domestic and international policies in agriculture and resources use are also studied. The economics of all of the Pacific's natural resources are particular subjects of study and research.

Graduate studies in the department focus on resource economics, bioeconomics, international development, and policy especially as they relate to Asian and Pacific Basin countries. There is also a doctoral program in agricultural systems analysis which is offered in cooperation with the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Biosystems Engineering.

Degrees currently offered include a BS, MS, and PhD in agricultural and resource economics. In addition, the Department participates in the interdisciplinary Graduate Resource Management Certificate program. This program provides specialized training in environmental resource management and develops pragmatic problem-solving and decision-making skills through analysis of real-world problems

II. COORDINATION OF COLLECTING RESPONSIBILITIES

Economic literature of all kinds, including that for agricultural economics, is collected as part of business literature and coordination is required to insure acquisitions adequate for this department. The Hawaiian Collection and the Pacific Collection are the primary collectors of material originating in and about Hawaii and islands of the Pacific. The Asia Collection adds material of an economic nature for their geographic areas. Selection is coordinated with the librarians responsible for these areas. Government Documents provides many publications for this department. Duplication of these publications and those held in other collections in the Library is avoided.

III. GUIDELINES TO MATERIALS COLLECTED OR EXCLUDED

Language:

Almost exclusively English.

Chronological:

No limitations, but the emphasis is on current material. Historical material showing economic patterns or market trends is added.

Geographic:

No limitations, but the Pacific Basin and Asia are a particular focus. Tropical and semi-tropical commodities determine the geographical areas for production economics, but marketing economics of those products has a worldwide scope.

Date of Publication:

Current materials are emphasized; gaps are filled as needed.

Types/Formats of Materials Collected:

Monographs on current research in the field; serials, including Web access when available; monographic series; handbooks, dictionaries, and encyclopedias; bibliographies; indexes and abstracts with a preference for Web access; conference proceedings; selected United States and foreign dissertations.

Treatment:

No limitation; statistical sources are primary; practice and methodology, historical, computer aspects, and government and legal implications are also emphasized. Popular works and lower division textbooks are excluded.

IV. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Department is developing BS, MS, and PhD degrees in natural resources and environmental management.

Date compiled: 7/01 Compiler: Eileen Herring