This material consists of commissioned studies by the Institute for Defense Analysis, the Rand Corporation and other "think tanks" to provide high priority data and analyses for the executive departments of the United States government. Topics, mainly Sub-Saharan, run the gamut from military studies, investment opportunities, biographical information, to appropriate technologies for third-world farmers.

The title of the collection is sometimes listed as "Foreign Nations: The Special Studies Series." The library has the following:

Africa, 1962-1980. 7 reels microfilm and printed guide, Micro DT1 .A142x ... (The reel guide includes subjects and abstracts.)

Africa, First Supplement, 1980-1985. 11 reels, microfilm and printed guide,

Africa, Second Supplement, 1985-1988. 10 reels microfilm and printed guide,

Africa, Third Supplement, 1989-1991. 10 reels microfilm and printed guide,

Africa, Fourth Supplement, 1992-1994. 10 reels microfilm and printed guide,