The Libraries seek to support research in Greek & Latin literature of the ancient world from the earliest periods through the Greek literature of the Byzantine empire and Latin literature of the Late Roman empire and Latin Middle Ages. This includes the study of original texts and the commentary and critical literature applying to those texts. It also includes research in the fields of ancient papyrology and epigraphy. It supports the needs of undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students, and the teaching faculty, post-docs, and research staff members.

New courses recently introduced including research on women's and gender issues, sexuality and other forms of social history have expanded considerably. In particular, study of homosexuality in the ancient world has brought a whole new audience to these Greek & Latin texts.

Areas of established specialization include classical philology, Greek literature, Latin literature, Medieval literature, papyrology and epigraphy.

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

1. Formats collected: We collect annuals, monographs, periodicals, CD-Roms, other electronic tools, reference tools and scholarly series extensively and audio-visual materials, maps, dissertations, newspapers, and textbooks selectively.
2. Imprint Dates Collected: We collect current publications and 20th century extensively and 19th century and earlier materials selectively.
3. Chronological Focus: We collect materials focusing on the Classical period.
4. Languages Collected: We collect Greek, Latin, German, French, Italian, Spanish, English, including translations from Greek or Latin into the modern Western languages, if notes or commentaries are included language materials extensively and non-Western European materials selectively. Non-European languages are excluded.
5. Place of Publication: We collect American, Canadian and Western European materials extensively and other European countries selectively. Non-European publications are excluded.