The collection includes the important indices, handbooks, encyclopedias, and bibliographies in women's studies. Primary research materials in women's studies are used by faculty and honors students from both the Women's Studies Program, and the History Department. As students advance to higher levels of research in women's studies, and particularly for students doing honors projects, the need for primary source materials, and broader journal holdings, increases. The need amongst faculty for additional primary source materials is also high. The library addresses these needs both by acquiring sources such as those listed above whenever possible, and by relying on Interlibrary Loan.
Emphasis is on current materials.
Reprint and microform editions of early works or archival collections are selectively acquired. Attempts to acquire important materials published within the last several decades continues. Gifts of rare, primary, or retrospective texts such as women's diaries, letters, and first editions of literary works are encouraged. The collection also reflects the increasing number of women's studies materials being published internationally, and the increasing need for these materials in support of the curriculum. English language materials published in the third world are particularly important.