It is somewhat easier to isolate areas of geographic limits than coverage. The collection for the Far East, is limited and concentrates on countries of the Pacific Rim. Materials from individual countries are generally difficult to locate and acquire but are done so, when possible, for major documents, development plans and statistics. There are similar problems with acquiring publications from Africa and Eastern Europe. The paper collection's imprints date from 1867 and onward.
Earlier materials are generally only available in microform.
These are collected according to faculty members' needs and availability and budgetary considerations. Date of Publications Preference is given to the purchase of current materials. Purchases of historical collections are limited to teaching needs, compatibility with collections strength, and availability of funds. There is considerable duplication of Canadian materials with Frost Library. There is, however, an attempt not to duplicate French language Quebec material when Frost has the publication.