No attempt is made to purchase all the works by a certain author. Periodicals are added to the collection on the basis of need. Prime consideration is given to those that are included in standard indexes or that fill a particular void in the library's collection. Newspapers are an important source of information. The library attempts to provide representation from different regions of the country.
Sound recordings are an intrinsic part of the library's collection.
Many subjects can be covered adequately only by audio recordings. The library particularly collects recordings in nonmusical areas, including foreign language instruction, literature, sound effects, etc. The library also collects popular and classical music. Visual media are added to the library's collection in a manner consistent with patron demand and budget constraints. As technology changes, the library will acquire visual media in the prevailing formats.