Library Policy Statements

I. PROGRAM INFORMATION

Entomology is part of the Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Department. Entomology is the study of insects and related organisms, such as spiders and mites. Entomologists study the role of insects in the natural world and their interactions with humans. There is an emphasis on the development of environmentally safe, effective, and economical solutions to insect pest problems in agricultural and urban environments. Research strongly emphasizes biological control, biotechnological, and other non-chemical methods in order to minimize negative environmental impacts. The development of entomological technology to support low-input sustainable agriculture is another important area in pest management research.

The Department offers a BS, MS and a PhD in entomology. Areas of specialization include acarology, biological control of insect and weed pests, biotechnology and insect genetics, forensic entomology, insect ecology, insect evolution, insect genetics, insect physiology, insecticide toxicology, insect transmission of plant pathogens, medical and veterinary entomology, pest management, systematics, urban entomology, and tropical economic entomology.

II. COORDINATION OF COLLECTING RESPONSIBILITIES

Entomology draws heavily on the literature of agriculture, zoology, chemistry and biology; selection is coordinated with the librarians responsible for these areas. Coordination is also required with the selectors for the Hawaiian and Pacific Collections. 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:

Material in English is preferred.

Chronological:

No limitations, but the emphasis is on current theories and research.

Geographic:

No limitations, but there is special interest in tropical insects.

Date of Publication:

Current materials are emphasized; gaps are filled as needed. Rare and historical materials may be acquired as gifts.

Types/Formats of Materials Collected:

Monographs on current research in the field; serials, including Web access when available; monographic series; dictionaries, handbooks and directories; bibliographies; conference proceedings; electronic databases with a preference for Web access.

Treatment:

All treatments are included, with the exception of popular works and textbooks. Both research and applied aspects are collected.

IV. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Department is developing a BS in plant and environmental protection sciences.

Date compiled: 7/01 Compiler: Eileen Herring