In general., textbooks are not purchased unless they are selected as reference and research works. Formats collected include print, electronic, microform, and audiovisual. Types of materials include monographs, serials, and reference works including major indexes, abstracts, catalogs, bibliographies, yearbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, research guides, and directories. Languages English is the primary language of the collection. Foreign language materials are purchased.
Primary emphasis is placed on scholarly works covering the present.
The selection of materials reflects an interest in women in contemporary American society. Earlier historical periods are considered in conjunction with the bibliographers for history. Date of Publication Emphasis is on collecting current materials. Retrospective buying, an integral part of the acquisition program, is limited to titles which appear on definitive bibliographies for college collections and are purchased upon faculty request. The BC Libraries' online catalog can be searched by LC classification number to get a better idea of what specific titles the women's studies collection contains.