National Library of Australia


State Library of Queenland collection assessment
Language, linguistics & literature

This division consists of three distinct although related areas: Language, which includes dictionaries and grammar; Linguistics; and Literature which covers the history of literature, literary theory and literatures from all peoples of the world.

Total number of monographs in the division is 23,278. This represents 5.8% of the total monograph holdings quoted for State Reference Library and Special Collections in 1995/96 annual report. Overall collection level is at 2a although in several areas the level is at 3a.

Collection strength is in the areas of Australian Literature and English Literatures. Collection and Acquisition levels for these areas are at 3a. State Library also has an excellent collection of practical guides to various styles and genres of writing. Collection and acquisition levels for this area (Rhetoric) are also at 3a.

The general area of history and criticism of literature is well represented and collection and acquisition levels are at level 3a. It is Collection Development policy not to acquire any juvenile literature, tertiary curriculum texts or advanced academic research material. Study guides to literary works are not collected. Popular fiction which comprises a large proportion of publishing output in this division is not collected.

Holdings in the John Oxley Library have not been included in this assessment. It should be noted, however, that the John Oxley Library has substantial holdings in the area of Australian Literature, particularly historical material and items published in or pertaining to Queensland.

The collection is enhanced by a small but good collection of videos. These cover a range of literary topics and include a good collection of Shakespearean plays (BBC).

In the areas of Language and Linguistics, collection is at basic level. There is an extensive collection of dictionaries with Australian Aboriginal languages and minor languages of the Pacific region well represented. The collection offers a general overview of the field of linguistics with the works of major theorists, history and current developments represented.

A wide range of literary works are collected. Fiction, poetry and drama are emphasised with less attention given to miscellaneous forms such as essays, speeches, letters and diaries.

Reference material including literary dictionaries, companions, biographical dictionaries, bibliographies and encyclopedias provides another major area of strength in the collection.

English language works and English language translations only are acquired.

Relevant sections of the following major standard bibliographies have been checked against State Library's monographic holdings:

 Title

Total Checked

SRL holding

%
held

Australian National Bibliography 1992-1996

Walford's Guide to Reference Material

Reder's Adviser (14th ed)

"Australian Literature"

Introduction to language

The study of language

The linguists encyclopedia

 

2434

2291

5599

180

173

590

590

691

736

1789

170

50

141

99

28

32

32

94

29

24

17

Periodical (serials) coverage in the language, linguistics and literature division

There are 98 open serials subscriptions and 140 closed.

This collection is augmented in the area of Australian Literature by the Austlit database. CD-ROM products, GPO and World Magazine Bank also offer some full text periodicals in the area and index several others. While, in general, this is a very limited collection of serials, in the area of Australian Literature holdings are more substantial.

In the area of Language and Linguistics there are 14 open serials and 20 closed.

All titles in the relevant sections of the following bibliographies have been checked against State Library's holdings:

 Titl

Total Checked

SRL holding

%
held

Magazines for libraries

Ulrich's 1997

Austlit

189

952

84

5

24

31

3

3

37

Last modified: August 18 2004.