The Ingalls Library is the third largest art museum libraries in the United States, comprised of over 431,000 cataloged volumes including monographs, current periodicals and long runs of ceased periodicals as well as auction and dealers' catalogues, microforms, electronic publications, CD-ROMs, clipping files and other materials. The library collects material on the visual arts including art criticism, history, patronage, symbolism, iconography, and, collectors and collecting. Its mission is to support research, documentation and interpretation on objects in the museum's collections and on those being considered for acquisition and publication as well as for exhibitions and other activities. The library collects in all art historical periods but special emphasis is placed on the ancient world, especially Egypt, Greece and Rome, European art from early-Christian to the present, Chinese, Japanese and Indian art, and American art from prehistory to the present. To reflect the museum's interest, in recent years, the library has strengthened its collections in Pre-Columbian and African art, Korean art, photography, design and decorative arts and contemporary art. The library also maintains collections of specific use to the museum's Performing Arts, Music and Film, Conservation and Prints departments. The resources on prints are maintained in the Art Study Room and conservation monographs and journals are housed in the department.