Materials in Slavic and Eastern European languages and materials in Asian and Middle Eastern languages are collected only in cooperation with the Slavic and Eastern European Library and the Asian Library, respectively. English translations are normally preferred to original foreign language texts. Social work as it is currently practiced has largely developed in the twentieth century, as social welfare became a national concern and governments began to fund programs. The emphasis is on contemporary issues and developments. However, the emphasis is on the United States and Great Britain.
Emphasis is on scholarly treatment rather than popularization, textbooks, and children's literature.
The Undergraduate Library normally collects more popular treatments and the Education and Social Sciences Library collects children's literature for its School Collection. The varied and interdisciplinary nature of the social work profession makes library materials from fields of study other than social work itself basic to graduate level training. Works in psychology, education, and sociology as well as certain therapeutic and non-medical aspects of the health sciences are of particular importance. Materials from these related disciplines will normally be purchased on the appropriate fund, but in exceptional cases may be purchased from social work monies. Appropriate primary and secondary works, and bibliographic, and reference materials are acquired.