The Islamic and Near Eastern Collection is the only specialized collection for this subject among the universities in Missouri. The collection serves the Washington University community as part of the Washington University Libraries System while serving the information and research needs of the Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies department. It also serves the Muslim community in St. Louis. The Islamic and Near Eastern collection includes Arabic and Persian materials in following subjects:

• Reference and Bibliography
• Fine Arts
• Language and Literature
• Islamic History
• Islamic Law
• History and Politics
• Religion and Philosophy
• Economics