The textbook collection includes U.S. imprints of primary and secondary schoolbooks, textbooks for post-high school non-degree schools such as business and trade schools, and foreign language grammars and readers through college level. The publication dates range from the 18th century, although most holdings were published in the 20th century. There are 70,000 volumes in the collection occupying 8,000 linear feet of shelf space.
All subjects commonly taught in U.S. primary and secondary schools are represented. The most extensive holdings are in English studies and mathematics; there are substantial holdings in the social sciences, health, science, and foreign languages.
In recent years the collection has been useful for researchers and professors interested in how a subject was taught during various periods of time. There are several scripted searches that can be used to bring all cataloged works together with a subject heading:
Not all works have been cataloged.