The Libraries seek to support the curricular and research needs of faculty and MA and Ph.D. students interested in the religion, history, economics, and politics of Tibet and other areas bordering China. For many years in the East Asian Institute there was a focus only on Tibet’s religion and culture, but more recently, that interest has expanded to all aspects of the people and countries bordering on China.

The Libraries acquire Tibetan materials published in and outside of Tibet.

Overall, the Libraries’ existing collection, its current acquisitions commitment, based upon available resources, and its collecting goal for Tibetan Studies are all at the research level.

1. Formats Collected: We collect monographs, traditional Tibetan unbound texts, reprinted cards and texts, and reference materials extensively, periodicals, newspapers, mono-series, annuals and Chinese maps selectively while electronic tools, audio/visual materials, dissertations, and textbooks are excluded.
2. Imprint Dates Collected: We collect contemporary and 20^th century materials extensively and all other dates selectively.
3. Chronological Focus: We focus on ancient to modern periods.
4. Languages Collected: We collect Tibetan, Chinese, and English language materials extensively and Hindi, Japanese, Korean and all other languages selectively.
5. Place of Publication: We collect materials published in India, China, North America and other areas where Tibetans have settled extensively.