A monograph (derived from Greek (mono, single+grapho, to write), meaning 'writing on a single subject') is any non-serial publication; a work in one volume or in a small number of volumes.
The collecting focus for the Othmer Library is to obtain modern printed materials that are appropriate primary and secondary historical sources as opposed to what would be found in a modern scientific library. The monographs range from the general fields of inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, food chemistry, and pharmacology, to specific subjects such as brewing, cosmetics, dyes, plastics, soaps, and textiles. Virtually every subject of modern chemical theory is represented, from quantum chemistry and chemical thermodynamics through cryogenics and molecular biology. Other less obvious categories include books by less-prominent toilers, early attempts at public outreach, and the collection of old textbooks.
Researchers must request the materials they wish to consult. The library's online catalog which provides full bibliographic descriptions of books, journals, oral histories, and archival materials held in the collection. The requested items will be retrieved from the stacks to be used in the Jacobs Reading Room.