Tulane University Special Collections (TUSC) has identified a set of broad themes to emphasize in its collecting focus across its sections. These themes include Environmental Justice, Performing Arts, and Gender. See its division wide Collections Policy for more detail here. Tulane faculty, particularly those in English, Art History, French & Italian, German, but not limited to these areas, make frequent use of Rare Books. Rare book selections are often informed by faculty recommendations or general input about faculty interests gathered from librarian liaisons to academic department. Faculty interests have been represented recently in selections related to book history and art history, with increasing interest in other contexts from newer academic departments such as Jewish Studies. Other areas of coverage are sought and considered, including rare works that might be representative of a variety of Tulane academic interests, across disciplines, relating to traditionally underrepresented or marginalized communities.
Some selection considerations covered by this policy are applied broadly within the restriction parameters of the special (endowed or gift) funds designated for Rare Books. See Acquisitions Sources and Endowed Funds.
However, even purchases made using the two most restrictive funds--limited to the acquisition of rare books about domestic dogs and cats-- are intended, creatively, to generally support interests in the humanities at Tulane University.
