Building a Research Collection in Physics: Current Trends and Issues

Abstract

The physics librarian today faces a complex and fast‐moving discipline and an almost overwhelming array of resources. Beginning selectors in physics are often perplexed. How does research in physics proceed? What kinds of information do physicists seek? Where can this information be found and what is the most effective way of providing it? How are increases in costs and volume of publication affecting collecting in physics? What do new technologies and cooperative arrangements have to offer the physics librarian? This essay, directed especially to the novice selector, seeks first to define physics research and the information needs of physics researchers. It then surveys the trends in technology and in the market‐place that are profoundly altering the way we build research collections in physics.

Citation

Lucas, T.A. (1990), "Building a Research Collection in Physics: Current Trends and Issues", Collection Building, Vol. 10 No. 1/2, pp. 16-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb023263