The research collection of the Cotsen Children's Library is a major historical collection of rare illustrated children's books, manuscripts, original artwork, prints, and educational toys from the 15th century to the present day in over thirty languages.

The Cotsen Children's Library regularly sponsors academic conferences that focus on various aspects of children's literature and culture.

Cotsen Occasional Publications may now be purchased from Oak Knoll.  Material distributed for the Cotsen Occasional Press can be found on their website. 

In fall 1996, the Cotsen staff began compiling a multi-volume book catalogue of the research collection, with support from the Department of Special Collections and the Technical Services Department of the Princeton University Library.