Special Collections
Special Collections
Welcome to Special Collections and Archives! Spring Term walk-in hours are every Wednesday 10-1pm. Otherwise please use the button below to schedule an appointment.
Please reach out with your archival and rare book questions and inquiries.
Search for something in Special Collections*
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Searching Special Collections in Primo
As soon as you are redirected to the Primo interface and get your results, scroll down the left column to find "Library Locations" and select the third floor: that will show you what's physically available in Special Collections. You can also look under "Digital Collections" and check the "Special Collections and Archives" facet underneath that. See screen shot below.
* Need search help? *Read this guide on tips for searching our collections in Primo.
The Department of Special Collections is an integral part of Schaffer Library. It includes the Union College Archives, special book collections, manuscripts, maps, photographs, sound recordings, ephemera, artifacts, and other primary source materials which document the College’s history, and support and extend its curriculum. The mission of the department of Special Collections is to collect these materials, preserve them, and make them available to anyone with a valid need to use them, especially for the enrichment of classroom instruction. In addition, the department houses other materials which because of their physical format, condition, rarity, or subject matter require special housing and handling.
John Bigelow Papers Finding Aid Available
The John Bigelow Papers finding aid is now available! It contains additional details about the extensive correspondence found in the collection, from correspondent names to subject areas. The collection is also available online here! For more information on the project, please read this College News announcement.
Special Collections
Schaffer Library
807 Union St
Schenectady, NY 12308
Contact
Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 9:00 am-12:00 pm, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Sat - Sun: closed
Our Collections
Rare Book Collections
These range from incunables through to 21st century artist books and beyond.
Manuscripts & Archives
Photographs, audiovisual recordings, maps, ephemera faculty papers and more!
Digital Collections
We collect digital records that pertain to our department's collection policy.