Purpose
The collection supports present and anticipated teaching and research in the field of Geology and Geophysics and its sub-disciplines. At present, the central focus of the Department and the chief interests of the faculty are encompassed in the following areas of teaching and research: clastic petrology, carbonate petrology, isotope geochemistry, low-temperature geochemistry, environmental geochemistry, hydrogeology, coastal geomorphology, sedimentology, vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology, stratigraphy, marine geology, structural geology, tectonics, metamorphic petrology, igneous petrology, mineralogy, seismology, environmental rock magnetism, and exploration geophysics.

The Department offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Bachelor of Science in Geophysics, and a Master of Science in Geology & Geophysics. The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics is offered jointly by the Departments of Geology & Geophysics and Physics. It is an interdisciplinary program built on geophysics courses and basic geology and physics courses. Students may choose either the Physics or Geology & Geophysics Department as the major department depending on the student's interests. An honors program is also available to geology majors. Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. can enroll in an interdisciplinary, integrative program involving geology & geophysics faculty and faculty from the College of Engineering and other departments in the College of Sciences.

The Department houses several laboratory facilities for faculty and student research. These research facilities include the Coastal Research Laboratory, the Chevron Earth Science Laboratory, and the W.M. Keck Foundation Four-Dimensional Earth Systems Laboratory where students use computer programs to simulate and study various geological and geophysical processes. Students in the Department of Geology have the option of enrolling in credit courses in geologic field work in the Yucatan Peninsula and southern California. Faculty members conduct field research and geologic studies in regions all over the world.

In addition to the support for the specific degree programs of the Geology & Geophysics Department, the collection also serves as a resource for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty in other disciplines. Related colleges, departments and programs which cover subjects of interest to Geology & Geophysics include Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Engineering and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON).

Language
The language of acquisition is English. Materials in other languages will be acquired on a highly selective basis.

Chronological Guidelines
Modern geology dates from the 19th century; materials may be of value even if published then, especially material published by various government surveys, and will be purchased on a highly selective basis. Reference works, such as Treatise of Invertebrate Paleontology will also be considered regardless of publication date. The main focus of collection development, however, will be on recent research in geology and geophysics with emphasis on coastal geology and geomorphology particularly the Lake Pontchartrain, Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi River Delta areas, environmental and low-temperature geochemistry, marine geology, mineralogy, pegmatology, and petrology.

Geographical Guidelines
Primary emphasis is on the geology of the United States, especially Louisiana and adjoining states, and the Gulf Coast. Suitable material on Canada, Austria, Mexico, Central and South America, China, Europe, India, Africa and the Caribbean will be given secondary emphasis. Material on other areas will be considered if need exists but ordinarily will not be purchased.

Treatment of Subject
Theoretical works and applied geology are both collected. Computer applications, practice and methods, history of geology, area studies, guidebooks, economic aspects, and to a small extent, popular accounts are all collected. Textbooks are generally not purchased but may be added if donated.

Types of Material
Monographs and serial publications form the basis for acquisition. Reference materials, including bibliographies, indices, handbooks and dictionaries are required. Publications and proceedings of national and international geological organizations, societies and congresses are acquired on a highly selective basis. Guidebooks are selectively acquired. Lab manuals are not purchased, but may be added to the collection if donated. Publications of U.S. government agencies are acquired through the U.S. Federal Depository program; those of state agencies are purchased on a highly selective basis. Maps will be acquired only through the U.S. Federal Depository program unless donated.

Date of Publication
Emphasis is on material published within the last five years. Current materials are most important. Retrospective materials may be selectively acquired.

Related Policy Statements
Other information related to Geology and Geophysics will be found in the following policy statements: