Frequently revised texts are not collected as a rule. We occasionally make exceptions for required introductory texts needed on reserve. Generally, we do not buy required textbooks, but may obtain a lending copy from a professor for reserve use when necessary. We subscribe to approximately 55 periodicals in physics and astronomy, supporting basic research in experimental and theoretical physics and astronomy and add an average of 320 serial volumes per year. We buy 55-70 monograph volumes per year.
Current subscriptions are in print format.
There are significant back runs of physics journals on microfilm, stored in the Kettering library due to lack of space and equipment in the Physics reading room. We collect a wide variety of secondary sources, including bibliographies, encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries, atlases and indexes. We also select advanced monographs, collections, treatise sets, and review serials. Review sources such as these are an important bridge between the primary literature and introductory level monographs. We buy conference proceedings only rarely, and prefer to obtain these through interlibrary loan when necessary.