Hebrew script materials are collected by the Judaica selector. English or French language fiction by North African or other Arab authors is usually not collected. Materials about the pre-Islamic Middle East are also collected by the library in the areas of classics, archaeology, and fine arts. There is no limitation as to the date of publication of items collected, although emphasis is on current publications. Further selection of individual titles in the vernacular is based on dealers' lists, and a small percentage comes as gifts or on exchange.
Emphasis is on current materials.
Manuscripts and theses and dissertations from other universitites are preferably acquired in microform, when requested. Audiovisual materials and other formats are collected selectively. Important current Middle Eastern newspapers and magazines are acquired through direct air mail subscription or through the Library of Congress Cairo office. All purchases with library funds are made by the acquisitions and serials departments through which all requests for purchase pass. A serial is a publication issued in successive parts bearing numirical or chronological designations and intended to be continued indefenitely.