The Dudley Knox Library at NPS provides library materials and research support to a wide variety of patrons. The primary audience is the faculty, staff and students of NPS including those involved in distance courses. Some services are extended to members of the local community, American military personnel worldwide, and other scholars doing defense-related research.

Library resources and services include: a wide variety of books and periodicals particularly in the sciences, numerous electronic databases, several special collections, class orientations to library resources, an electronic "Ask a Librarian" service and much more.