CAS and SCE offer introductory courses in music for the general student. Bobst Library houses the archive of the American Institute for Verdi Studies and supports the Institute's work through the continued, intensive acquisition of print and recorded materials relating to Verdi. Language Western languages are emphasized, but no language is excluded for essential materials. The music policy maintains its long-standing commitment to Western traditions, especially musics of the United States. All historical periods are collected in representative balance, but with added stress on the music of our time.
Single copies are by far the rule.
Scholarly anthologies and collected editions of composers are intensively acquired. For the most important composers and works, multiple editions are appropriate, with special attention to new critical editions. Facsimiles of manuscripts and of historically important printed sources are a high priority. Compact discs are the preferred audio format, with LP discs preferred over cassette tapes. For video, laserdiscs are sought because of their greater ease of use in classroom situations.