The reference collections exist primarily to support course work and research by the University community, but serves as a source for preliminary information in any field of study. The specific content of the collections is designed to reflect University curriculum and areas of faculty expertise. Sources within the reference collections allow points of access to other parts of the Library's collection. The reference collections are cross-disciplinary.
Divisional librarians use divisional funds to purchase reference materials.
Other reference librarians, who may have appropriated funds, also participate in the building of the reference collections. Divisional librarians also direct into the reference collections some works purchased by other faculty. The Library accepts purchase suggestions from other faculty and staff within and outside the Library. The primary emphasis of the collection is represented by English language texts, with secondary emphasis given any language with curricular offerings and research need. The major geographic emphasis is the United States, specifically Montana and the Pacific Northwest, with secondary emphasis given the remainder of the globe.