Selection Guidelines

The Price Library of Judaica aims to be a comprehensive research collection (Library of Congress Collecting Level 4), collecting not only for present needs but also for the future in anticipation of additional growth in the Jewish Studies program culminating in graduate-level research. In developing this collection, the following considerations to guide decisions are applicable:

  • Print: the Price Library of Judaica actively collects all print materials focusing on the global history, culture and religion of the Jewish people, including materials relating to ancient and modern-day Israel.
  • Electronic resources: the library purchases unlimited user e-book licenses when possible and cost-effective; otherwise, ebook acquisitions are based on faculty and student requests.
  • Digital collections: the Library seeks to build digital collections from materials in our own collections, largely those within the public domain, as well as original creations (such as memoirs), born digital items, and digital scans acquired through collaborative partnerships.
  • AV Media: the Price Library collects representative samples of cinema and documentaries on DVD relating to Jewish themes. The collection also holds some recordings on VHS and a limited number of audio CDs and LPs of works by Jewish, Yiddish, and Israeli composers. Additional items will be added that complement the existing collection.
  • Languages: the Library mostly collects original works in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Spanish. However, works in other languages appropriate to the subject matter are routinely added. The Price Library currently holds materials in over 40 languages.
  • Chronology: the interests of faculty and students at UF are diverse and the Library reflects this through its broad chronological parameters. No chronological limits are placed on our collecting, which covers the ancient period through the present day.
  • Geography: the materials in the Price Library cover most parts of the world, i.e., any country that has had a Jewish presence. The bulk of the collection emphasizes the United States, Europe and Israel, and lately Latin America, the Caribbean and Florida.
  • Imprint dates: rare and unique materials from any period are considered. Gifts of published materials are checked in OCLC’s WorldCat to ensure that works are not duplicated in the collection and to ascertain the number of available copies in the state and nationwide. Duplication depends on the rarity of the item and research need.
  • Translations: Translations into Hebrew or Yiddish from other languages are typically not acquired; exceptions might be classics or world literature or translations that could be important because the translator is a noteworthy figure, or owing to new prefatory/critical apparatus. Translations into English of Hebrew and Yiddish creative writing and non-fiction are comprehensively acquired within the subject scope of this policy statement.
  • Dissertations: Unless devoted to a subject area not extensively covered by published literature American doctoral dissertations are only acquired selectively or unless specifically requested by a faculty member or a graduate student. The Center for Research Libraries will be relied upon to supply all other foreign dissertations.
  • Ephemera: Special efforts are made to identify and retain ephemeral pamphlets, institutional reports, research reports, newsletters, lecture series, eulogies, keepsakes, calendars, broadsides, etc. Although some titles are only available through purchase, preference will be given to gift acquisitions.
  • Special Collections: The Price Library is actively seeking archives and manuscripts relating to the Jewish experience in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean.