Programs exist for virtually every world premiere and many other first performances. Finally, programs in satellite collections are generally replaced with surrogates so that original programs can be integrated into the single chronological sequence of programs.
Programs can serve a number of different uses.
They can include performed texts both in the original language as well as in a variety of translations. Program notes may be included. Often additional information printed on programs, such as advertisements and announcements of other events can provide historical context. Programs can also be useful as artifacts in and of themselves for exhibitions. Though exhibit catalogs, particularly large catalogs, are generally not included in the program collection proper, many smaller catalogs are.