Marquand Library collects current and antiquarian library materials to support research in art and architecture, the decorative arts, photography, and archaeology. The entire history of art is represented, from antiquity to the present. Marquand considers itself a library of record, and buys retrospectively to fill gaps and to support emerging areas of interest. There are few geographical limits, though materials on South and Southeast Asia and Oceania are chosen selectively. Marquand collects items in most languages and, in principle, no language is excluded. Monographs, exhibition catalogs, journals, facsimiles, reference materials, and microforms are all of interest. Marquand acquires electronic resources, including image databases, electronic journals, indexes, and other reference works. Videos and other media materials are purchased, but usually housed at ReCAP (off-site). In areas of collection overlap, Marquand selectors work closely with other subject librarians in Firestone, the School of Architecture Library, the East Asian Library, and Special Collections to ensure coverage and avoid unnecessary duplication.

Marquand is a major contributor to the Digital Cicognara Library project.

During construction of the new McCormick Hall and the new Princeton University Art Museum, Marquand Library’s physical collections are currently available only by advanced request via the library catalog for consultation in two temporary reading rooms in Firestone Library, C Floor.