The Semitics/ICOR Library Collection Development Policy [draft]Mission & History | Academic Programs & Research | Responsiblity MISSION & HISTORYThe Semitics/ICOR Library supports the teaching and research activities of the Department of Semitic & Egyptian Languages & Literatures and the Institute of Christian Oriental Research (ICOR). Library holdings reflect their interests: the languages and thought of the Bible and the ancient Near East and the languages, literatures and history of the Christian Near East. When the Catholic University of America was founded in 1887, the study of Semitic and Egyptian languages and their associated literatures and cultures was designated an area of special concern. From the start modest "departmental" library collections were supplemented by access to the 20,000 vol. private library of Henri Hyvernat (1858-1941), founder of the department. Hyvernat was concerned that there would always be a place at this university for the scientific study of the languages and literatures of the Christian Near East. In 1931 he arranged for the establishment of what is now the university's Institute of Christian Oriental Research (ICOR), to which he bequeathed his own library, and other possessions. Today the collections of the Semitics departmental library and the Institute of Christian Oriental Research have grown to some 45,000 classified vols. of books and periodicals, along with other unclassified materials and research collections (manuscripts, antiquities, photographs, working papers, etc.) The Semitics/ICOR Library functions along the lines of an academic seminar, with resident department faculty, students and Institute fellows. Semitics department classes are taught in its rooms. It is one of the CUA Libraries special collections. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & RESEARCHCUA was founded as a graduate center for instruction and research , and the Semitics department in the School of Arts and Sciences has remained primarily a graduate department. Major programs (M.A. and Ph.D.) in ancient Northwest Semitic philology (with concentrations in Hebrew and Aramaic) furnish the linguistic training and other auxiliary studies needed for a scholarly grasp of the text of the Holy Scriptures by a biblical exegete. Major programs (M.A. and Ph.D.) in early Near Eastern Christian languages and literatures (with concentrations in Syriac, Coptic, and Arabic) make possible firsthand knowledge and interpretation of the corresponding Christian literatures of the Near East in their historical setting. The department provides instruction supportive to programs in other departments and schools, primarily Biblical Studies and Theology in the School of Religious Studies, and Early Christian Studies, an interdisciplinary program. Library resources are used by the faculty, students, researchers in the Semitics department and ICOR, as well as other CUA faculty, students, and outside researchers who work in these subject areas. A special effort is made to assist the work of the Catholic Biblical Association at CUA. RESPONSIBILITYThe curator is charged with collection development responsibilities for the Semitics/ICOR library. The curator reports to the Director of Libraries, and works in liaison with the Semitics department faculty. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
1. Chronological PRINCIPAL SOURCES OF SUPPLY & SELECTION TOOLSThe Semitics/ICOR Library does not participate in the general CUA Libraries approval plans. Book orders are checked in the online bibliographic information service of YBP Library Services, the CUA Libraries approval plan vendor. Vendors significant for this library are listed in the publishers section of the Semitics/ICOR Internet Researcher Guide. SUBJECTS COLLECTED AND LEVELS OF COLLECTING 1. Ancient Near East SUBJECTS EXCLUDED
The library does not collect systematically in these areas: COLLECTION REVIEW & MAINTENANCECollection review and maintenance issues include bibliographic control and physical condition of the collections; regular review of the reference and serial collections for relevance and currency; regular review of the standing orders and subscriptions for relevance and slippage. FUNDS & GIFTS
Materials are acquired through purchase, gift or exchange.
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