Dental Library aims to collect the majority of English language monographs published in the field of dental medicine and oral biology, as well as relevant supporting titles from the basic sciences. Furthermore, the Library attempts to collect a significant number of dental and oral biology journals as well as primary medical journals, and other major journal titles published in the basic sciences that are studied as part of the curriculum for the doctor of medicine degree.
Special consideration is given to collecting materials supporting the care of persons with disabilities and access to care issues in dentistry.
Open access (OA) initiatives are supported as far as collecting freely accessible materials and promoting faculty OA publications.
1. Chronological
Emphasis is placed on the current research and practice of dental medicine, but information relating to the history of the field is also acquired.
2. Formats
The core book collection is electronic. Print versions of selected books are also being added, as available. The current dental journal collection is only available online. Penn libraries also provide access to a wide array of databases, full-text resources, and links to Penn and non-Penn websites organized by broad subject areas. The Dental Library's site serves as an access point for all dental-centric online resources. Audio-visual material, examination reviews, handbooks, laboratory manuals, loose-leaf services, programmed texts, and workbooks are purchased selectively.
3. Geographical
No limitations. But the emphasis is on literature from the United States and Western Europe.
4. Language
Monographs are currently purchased only in the English language, although the collection includes many historic foreign language texts, especially French and German monographs. The majority of current journal subscriptions are in English, although we currently subscribe to some select foreign language journal titles. The historical journal collection covers a wide range of foreign language titles.
5. Publication Dates
Current literature is acquired almost exclusively. Material older than five years is purchased only by specific patron request.