3.1 Subject coverage
The emphasis is on Anglo-American, western European and Greco-Roman philosophy. The primary interests of the graduate program: Aesthetics, Ethics, History of Philosophy - Ancient, Medieval and Modern, Logic, Metaphysics and Epistemology, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Law, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, and Social and Political Philosophy.
3.2 Languages
Preference is given to English-language material. Because of the importance of German and French in philosophical writing, however, works in these languages are acquired when English translations do not exist. Translations from English are not acquired.
3.3 Chronological periods
There are no chronological limitations; the modern period (1450/1600 onward, particularly contemporary), is emphasized.
3.4 Publication date
The majority of acquisitions are of current or fairly recently-published materials. Older works that are especially important or of historical interest may be collected.
3.5 Geographic areas
Western Europe, the Greco-Roman world and North America are emphasized. Little material is acquired on Latin America, Africa or Asia. Indic philosophy, in English and mainly classical, is purchased through the University's membership in the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute.
3.6 Editions
Older editions of standard works are replaced only when a clearly superior edition (scholarly preface, critical apparatus, etc.) is available.
3.7 Formats
Textbooks are generally avoided.
3.9 Co-operative Development
Because Campion and Luther also teach philosophy a certain amount of overlap in collections is inevitable and necessary. Other duplication, particularly of more specialized works for higher-level classes should be kept to a minimum. The objective is to provide as wide a range of works as possible.
Where either of the federated colleges has a strong interest in a narrow area or a specific philosopher, consider deferring to them. Campion's areas of interest include the history of philosophy (particularly ancient, Greek and medieval), continental philosophy (especially Hegel, Kant), phenomenology (Merleau-Ponty) and individual philosophers such as Collingwood. Some material in ethics, hermeneutics and post-modernism is also ordered.