Collection Assessment
The Mina Rees Library is small by research library standards. It was designed to support the courses and programs housed at the Graduate Center, particularly the Tier I programs. Programs housed at other City University of New York colleges, the Tier II programs, are primarily supported by the college libraries where these programs are housed, although basic reference materials and some resources to support Tier II classes taught in the Graduate Center can be purchased if funding permits.
When created, it was assumed that the Mina Rees Library would be buttressed by the surrounding New York City libraries, primarily the New York Public Library. Therefore, the holdings of NYPL are taken into consideration when purchasing highly expensive materials; if NYPL already has these materials then the Library does not normally purchase them.
Tier I: Programs Housed at the Mina Rees Library
| Anthropology | History | Psychology, Educational |
| Art History | Liberal Studies (M.A. only) | Social Welfare |
| Classics (M.A. also) | Linguistics (M.A. also) | Sociology |
| Comparative Literature (M.A. also) | Mathematics | Speech and Hearing Sciences |
| Computer Science | Music (D.M.A. also) | Theatre |
| Economics | Nursing | Urban Education |
| English | Philosophy (M.A. also) | |
| French | Political Science (M.A. also) | |
| Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian Literatures | Psychology |
Tier II: Programs Housed at Other CUNY Campuses
| Audiology | Chemistry | Journalism |
| Biochemistry | Criminal Justice | Physical Therapy |
| Biology | Earth & Env'l Science | Physics |
| Business | Engineering | Psychology, All Other Programs |