Areas of study include Canada, United States, Great Britain, Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, South Asia, and the Asia Pacific region. However geographic breakdowns such as these are becoming less important as the impact of globalization increases. The academic programmes concentrate, for the most part, on the contemporary period. One exception is political thought and theory which ranges from antiquity to the present day, as well as historical concerns such as political philosophy and the historical development of states and other entities. The budget allows for current purchasing only.
Selection is systematic for current English language publications.
Duplication Paperback copies of books are preferred. Multiple copies of Canadian titles are regularly ordered and additional copies may be purchased for Reserves. There may be up to 3 copies of a popular title of a non-Canadian imprint. Gifts Gift material is evaluated, using the same criteria that applies to the purchase of new materials. Due to time constraints, this is not being done, except on a very ad hoc basis.