Special Collections

Welcome to Special Collections and Archives! Located on the 3rd floor of Schaffer Library and always welcome research appointment requests. Please reach out!

Request research assistance & appointments

Search for something in Special Collections*

* 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. While the students, faculty, and staff of Union College are our priority, all are welcome in our reading room.

We have many collections and files with potential for research projects and thesis topics. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Preserve Your Story!

What's happening in the department?

Special Collections Librarians and Student Assistants are constantly updating collection descriptions. This Fall Term, Senior Jane Mae Schreiner is continuing her work with the Shui Kong Yuen Collection, SCA-0228. Keep an eye out for Jane Mae's exhibit in Winter Term! Librarian Meghan Willis has begun work to improve description and housing of the Voucher Collection, a sub-group of the Treasurer's Office Records, RG-04-019-003. Check out this article about our conservation efforts with the Vouchers!