The Libraries seek to support research in all areas of philosophy, including the history of philosophy, epistemology, aesthetics, logic, political theory, ethics and philosophy of science. It supports the needs of undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D. students, the teaching faculty, post-docs, and research staff members.

During the first half of the 1990’s, a new faculty was placed in the history of Renaissance and Early-Modern philosophy.

No new courses have been introduced but the Philosophy of Science continues to be a growing area of research and instruction.

Areas of established specialization are all areas of philosophy. The program is particularly strong in aesthetics, logic and the philosophy of science, history of philosophy is beginning a return to its former strength in the program.

Overall, the Libraries’ existing collection, its current acquisitions commitment, based upon available resources, and its collecting goal for Philosophy 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; audio-visual materials, dissertations and textbooks selectively.
2. Imprint Dates Collected: We collect current and 20th century publications extensively and 19th century and earlier materials selectively.
3. Chronological Focus: Topics from all time periods are collected extensively.
4. Languages Collected: We collect English, French and German extensively and Italian, Spanish and Non-Western languages selectively. Chinese, Japanese and Korean are not selected for Butler.
5. Place of Publication: We collect American, British, Canadian, French and German materials extensively and Italian, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch, Non-Western countries selectively. Chinese, Japanese and Korean publications are excluded.