The Library focuses on Western classical music, purchasing only the most basic materials on the music of other cultures. Materials relating to electronic media courses focus on practical aspects of broadcast writing, management, production and communication in the United States. High-level materials on program content are covered, but critical works are purchased selectively. Other bibliographers often select books in the latter category. For example, books on the social aspects of television sometimes fall into the field of sociology.
Print media including monographs, journals and music scores constitute two-thirds of the collection.
Other media, including LP recordings, compact discs, phonotapes, videotapes and microforms, make up one-third of the collection. CD-ROM's are also an important resource. The library does have two very small funds, sponsored by the local alumni chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority, for the purchase of some microforms and videos. In addition, it has now established a plan with Music Library Services for CDs from specified manufacturers. The Library orders much material to supplement the approval plans.