Guidelines for Forensic Science

Table of Contents

1. Purpose
2. General Collection Guidelines
    A. Language
    B. Chronology
    C. Geography
    D. Publication Date
    E. Treatment of Subject
    F. Types of Materials and Formats
3. Area Resources
4. Subjects and Collecting Levels

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1. Purpose.

Collections in Forensic Science support a research agenda consistent with research enterprise at a Carnegie Research Intensive (Very High Research) institution with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in the field.

The department of forensic science offers B.S. degree in two concentrations, Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry. It also offers an M.S. degree with specializations in drug analysis, DNA analysis, trace analysis, physical evidence, criminalistics, and legal issues. Forensic Science at VCU was accredited in 2005 and is one of the top 10 forensic graduate programs in the country, according to School.com. The focus of the collection is to support these programs, particularly the training of Crime Scene Investigators (CSI).

2. General Collection Guidelines.

A. Language.
English is the primary language of the collection. Foreign or multi-language monographic and serial titles are collected selectively, particularly research works of international importance or value.

B. Chronology.
No restrictions.

C. Geography.
No restrictions..

D. Publication Date.
Emphasis is on current imprints, particularly the latest editions of core texts. Older materials, for example, classics, are added to the collection whenever necessary. Journal backfiles are purchased to fill gaps and to augment the collection.

E. Treatment of Subject.
Primary emphasis is on graduate and professional texts reporting current research. Upper division texts are acquired selectively. Lower division textbooks are not generally acquired.

F. Types of Materials and Formats.
Monographs and periodicals are the principal materials with preference for electronic format. Conference proceedings and symposia are also collected. Video materials support teaching and research in the department.

3. Area Resources.

There are no comparable resources in the area.

4. Subjects and Collecting Levels.

Resources for Forensic Science are collected at a research level (4).