The combined holdings of the McLennan and Religious Studies Libraries form a resource on an advanced research level in the area of English language studies on the Hebrew Bible. Yiddish literature is well represented, particularly in twentieth century rare material. The top priority in the development of the Jewish Studies collection is the maintenance of a solid basic collection to support the undergraduate curriculum. The appointment of a professor in modern Hebrew literature has prompted a review of holdings in this area, with a view to filling in lacunae in the works of its major authors. The Jewish Studies Department provides a full range of courses at the undergraduate level in Jewish Studies and a Master of Arts degree by course and thesis.
Plans are in effect to obtain formal approval to raise the graduate programme to a Ph.D. level.
Collection development is the responsibility of the Jewish Studies Bibliographer. Liaison with the Department is maintained through the Departmental Coordinator as well as with other faculty members when required. Regular contact with the other bibliographers and teaching departments is maintained through the sharing of relevant review material. The Humanities and Social Sciences Library in the McLennan-Redpath Library complex is the major location for the University's Jewish Studies collection. The Reference Department holds a rich array of the bibliographies and other reference works required for research as well as an extensive collection of national and trade bibliography.