The Libraries seek to support research and teaching conducted by students and faculty in the department of Political Science, and the School of International and Public Affairs, as well as cross-disciplinary studies emanating from the Schools of Law, Business and Social Work.

Areas of established specialization are: empirical theory and methods, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, policy analysis, and American politics and public administration. Emerging areas of interest have included, environmental policy analysis, international conflict resolution study, economic policy management, and the transition to democracy in the countries of the former Soviet Union.

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

1. Formats Collected: We collect monographs, periodicals (including annuals), scholarly series and reference tools extensively; maps, newspapers, CD-ROMs and other electronic resources selectively; videocassettes very selectively; and textbooks and dissertations (other than Columbia's) not at all.
2. Imprint Dates Collected: We collect currently published material extensively, and earlier imprints selectively.
3. Chronological Focus: We focus both on current topics and historical subjects.
4. Languages Collected: We collect English language materials extensively and Western European language materials selectively. (See also the Area Studies statements.)
5. Place of Publication: We collect North American and Western European publications extensively. (See also the Area Studies statements.)