The library attempts to collect at the research level only a limited number of areas, most notably some aspects of the Conservatory of Music collections. It collects at the exhaustive level only for Oberliniana. Special considerations Reference collections . Given the importance of supporting research by providing excellent access to resources not located on campus, the library places a high priority on developing excellent reference collections, including strong bibliographic resources that are essential in the identification of materials. Serials subscriptions .
Journals provide essential library support in many disciplines.
The library currently follows a general policy of adding new journal subscriptions only when titles of equivalent cost can be identified for cancellation. The library is also committed to regular review of all journal subscriptions in order to insure that titles received are responsive to current curricular needs. New curricular areas . The library provides support for new curricular areas both by building retrospective collections and acquiring current library materials. Retrospective collections are supported by limited funds made available by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and by gifts from the Friends of the Library.