The Libraries seek to support research in the humanities and social sciences relevant to the Latin American and Caribbean nations in all departments and schools of the University but particularly the Institute of Latin American and Iberian Studies, the Camões Center for the Study of the Portuguese-Speaking World, and the departments of Spanish & Portuguese, Anthropology, Architecture, History, and Political Science. It supports the needs of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and Ph.D. students, and the teaching faculty, post-doctorates, visiting scholars, and research staff members.

In recent years, there has been an expansion of interest in Brazil and Mexico, especially in foreign affairs, economic development, and political economy. New courses include the study of gender, the African diaspora, social movements, and social and political history.

Areas of established specialization are Mexico, Brazil, and the Southern Cone in the subject areas of architecture, literature, history, political science and anthropology.

Overall, the library's existing collection goal for Latin American studies, its existing collection, and current acquisitions commitment, based upon available resources, are all at the research level.

1. Formats collected: We collect monographs and reference tools extensively, and annuals, CD-ROMs, other electronic tools, audio-visual materials, maps, periodicals, newspapers, scholarly series and textbooks selectively.
2. Imprint Dates Collected: We collect current publications extensively and 20^th century, 19^th century, and earlier materials selectively.
3. Chronological Focus: We collect 19^th and 20^th century materials extensively and all other periods selectively.
4. Languages Collected: We collect English, Spanish and Portuguese language materials extensively and German, Dutch, indigenous Latin American languages, Italian and French language materials selectively.
5. Place of Publication: We collect materials published in the U.S., U.K., Latin America and Spain extensively. Materials from Canada, Portugal, and the rest of Europe are collected selectively.