The library collects monographs, monographic series, reference books, and journals, with the main focus being the journal collection. Upper level textbooks are purchased selectively; recent lower-level texts may be accepted as gifts. Textbooks used in current courses are not acquired. Symposium and colloquium proceedings are bought only on request, except for those that come via society subscription. The library does not generally collect theses or dissertations by authors other than Tulane students, patents, technical reports, standards or specifications. Video- recordings may be purchased upon request of faculty members.