Foreign Languages and Literatures: German

Purpose: To support teaching and research at the undergraduate level. Materials relevant to film studies, history, and other humanities and social sciences subjects also support the study of German language, literature and culture. For additional information, consult the guidelines for those subjects.

1. Languages: German is the primary language of the collection, with English translations of texts also acquired. Critical works are purchased principally in English. Dual-language poetry and fiction are purchased when available. Translations into languages other than English, or critical works in languages other than Western European or English, are not normally purchased.
2. Chronological Guidelines: From eighteenth century, to the present.
3. Geographical Guidelines: Primarily the literature of Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland. Exile literature is included, as is that of "border areas" such as Sudetenland, and literature of the former DDR.
4. Treatment of Subject: Critical works and primary texts are collected. Works on German culture and film are also acquired. Biographies and bibliographies of major and most minor authors are purchased, as are critical editions and collected works. Textbooks are not generally acquired.
5. Types of Material: Monographs, journals, reference works. Textbooks are not ordinarily acquired. Electronic and selected audiovisual materials (e.g., language learning media) are acquired.
6. Date of Publication: Emphasis is on current publications. Important older materials are acquired in reprint or in microform as funds permit.