General policies and principles for the Library's collections are stated in the General Collection Development Policy.  

Purpose of the Collection

This collection supports the Writing Program faculty's research and teaching needs related to interrogating and improving their practices in teaching academic and professional writing.  The collection also includes resources to assist students in the mechanics of writing across the disciplines.  Primary users of the collection are Writing Program faculty, lecturers, teaching assistants and other members of the campus community seeking information or doing research related to writing, rhetoric and composition.

Scope

Subjects

The collection consists of materials on academic and professional writing, teaching and assessment of writing, theories of composition, communication, rhetoric, instructional design, curriculum development, classroom practice, literacy, and writing program administration.  Materials on writing centers and on editing and publishing are acquired selectively.

Geographical Coverage

Emphasis is on the United States, with limited coverage of Canada and Great Britain.

Language

English language materials will be collected, unless particular items in other languages are specifically requested.

Chronological Limits/Period Coverage

Emphasis is on current research.

Publication Dates

Most material dates from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Types of Materials Collected

Materials are collected in print and digital formats, with an emphasis on research monographs and academic journals. North American university press titles are received on approval, and other materials are selected individually. Style manuals, guides, handbooks, and technical manuals are selectively acquired. Textbooks are purchased on faculty request.

Subscriptions to journals are selected in consultation with faculty. Most journals are not acquired in more than one format; in general, electronic versions are preferred, as long as they have reliable and perpetual access.

Systemwide and Other Resources

UCSB collections serving Writing Program benefit heavily from the Library’s participation in serials and research databases that are licensed by UC’s California Digital Library and funded by the UC campuses.  Interlibrary loan is used heavily, especially for older materials. 

Related Collection Development Policies

Subject librarian: Rebecca Greer
Policy Last Updated: June 2015