The Aquarium is the oldest continually operating municipal aquarium in North America, and houses a large collection of aquatic invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and birds that is worldwide in scope. Although some systematic research is done using Aquarium facilities and collections, the focus of Aquarium research concerns the maintenance, culture, and exhibition of live aquatic organisms. Additionally, the Aquarium concentrates primarily on public education and cultural recreation. However, within the larger limits imposed by considerations such as traditional collection strengths and materials budgets, it is essential that collection development be responsive to the needs of aquarium personnel. No period is excluded if relevant to the work of the Steinhart Aquarium.
Coverage is worldwide.
Steinhart Aquarium maintains one of the most diverse collections of aquatic animals in the United States. No language is excluded. The primary location for manuscript, archival, and audiovisual materials is in the Special Collections unit in the Main Library. Live or preserved animal or plant material is excluded from library collections. The Steinhart Aquarium Library is the principal location for aquariology and aquarium literature, including culture, care in captivity, and veterinary medicine of aquarium organisms.