The majority of the selections are current publications. The library collects items retrospectively to fill gaps in the collection or to replace missing, lost, or damaged materials that are used frequently by the students, faculty, and other patrons. Purchases of retrospective materials occur only when funds allow, when such items are available at a reasonable cost, and at the discretion of the Subject Librarian. We may select historical publications by MICA authors for Special Collections purposes.

When items cannot be replaced at all or for a reasonable cost, the Liaison Librarian selects items as close to the topic area and scholarship level as possible.