General Purpose

The classics collection supports the teaching and research needs of the University of Tennessee's faculty and students in the area of classical studies.

Subject Description

Classical studies include all aspects of ancient Roman and Greek life: art, architecture, philosophy, literature, language, culture, law, and politics as well as classical and bronze age archaeology.

Overlap with Other Subjects

Since classics covers all aspects of life, there is overlap with several subjects including architecture, history, art, philosophy, anthropology, economics and literary criticism. In general, material which pertains to the classical period, regardless of subject, is purchased from the Classics fund. Specifically, classical archaeology is purchased from the Classics fund rather than from the Anthropology fund.

Languages Collected and Excluded

Classical material in Greek and Latin as well as all European languages is collected.

Geographic Parameters

The primary geographic area for the collection is the Mediterranean area. However, since the effects of Greek and Roman culture extended far beyond this area, some material may be purchased on the effects of ancient Greece and Rome on other parts of Europe, Africa or the Middle East.

Chronological Scope

The Classical period runs approximately from 3,000 B.C. to the late 5th century A.D. In addition, material which covers the effects of ancient Greece and Rome on subsequent time periods may also be purchased from the Classics fund.

Dates of Publication

Emphasis is on current publications although some retrospective purchasing is done to support research interests of faculty.

Retrospective Acquisitions

See above.

Types of Materials Collected and Excluded

Generally, textbooks are not purchased unless deemed important for the collection as a whole. Books, audiovisual materials and collections of primary source material in both microformat and compact disc are purchased.

Cooperation with Other Libraries

None

Alternative Acquisition of Resources

Material purchased by The Center for Research Libraries is not duplicated in our collection.

Position Responsible for Collection

Humanities Reference Librarian, Anne Bridges

Corresponding Fund

The Classics fund is used for firm orders in this area. A restricted account, the Rhea fund, is designated for acquisitions in classical studies. In addition, classics purchases may be made from the Lindsey Young fund and other appropriate restricted funds.

Other Factors

None

November 10, 2006