Archives and Special Collections
The University of Minnesota Libraries’ Department of Archives and Special Collections (ASC) collects and preserves an amazing array of materials that support interdisciplinary research.
Welcome
The collections are available to anyone with a desire to explore, discover and learn. ASC supports teaching and learning for the University community, K-12, and lifelong learners, and sponsors an active array of exhibitions and programs that are open to the public.
Visit Andersen Library
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- Closed
- Note: Appointments are required to visit the reading room within these hours.
- Visit
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222 21st Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55455 - Parking information
- Call
- 612-624-7469
- ascref@umn.edu
A list of contact information for each unit in Archives and Special Collections
Explore ASC
Using our collections
Search collections, view research guides, learn about policies and statements
Funding your research
Learn about travel awards and fellowships for using collections
Exhibits
Information on current and upcoming exhibits, which are open and free to the public during building open hours
Digital exhibits
Explore our online exhibits
Primary Sourcery
Read blog posts from Archives and Special Collections
Our collections
At Elmer L. Andersen Library
Charles Babbage Institute Archives
As both archives and research center, CBI promotes the study and understanding of the history of information technology and its impact on society.
Children's Literature Research Collections
The Children's Literature Research Collections holds books, comics, story papers, dime novels, and other materials related to the creation of children’s literature, including original manuscripts and artwork.
Givens Collection of African American Literature
The Givens Collection facilitates access to African American history and culture through its rare book and archival collections, and through Umbra Search.
Gorman Rare Art Books and Media Collection
The Francis V. Gorman Rare Art Books and Media Collection is a collection of rare art exhibition catalogs, artists’ books, zines, illustrated periodicals, and more that date from the 1500s – present.
Immigration History Research Center Archives
The Immigration History Research Center Archives documents im/migration to the United States from 1850 to the present, with materials created largely by immigrants and social service providers.
James Ford Bell Library
The James Ford Bell Library documents the history and impact of trade and cultural exchange around the globe prior to c. 1825 C.E. More than 21 languages and dialects are represented in rare books, manuscripts and archival collections, printed documents, and maps.
Kautz Family YMCA Archives
The YMCA Archives documents one of the nation’s largest and oldest nonprofits and its programs to support social welfare, spiritual and mental development, and physical education.
Northwest Architectural Archives
The Northwest Architectural Archives is the repository for the records of architects, engineers, contractors, landscape architects, interior designers, and local professional societies from the Midwest region.
Performing Arts Archives
Preserving Minnesota’s cultural legacy in music, theater, and dance, the Archives holds scripts, prompt books, costume and set designs, photos, and AV recordings from organizations, actors, designers, and directors.
Sherlock Holmes Collections
The Sherlock Holmes Collections constitute the largest gathering of material documenting the transformation of Holmes from a Victorian literary creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to a 21st century pop culture icon.
Social Welfare History Archives
The Archives documents the history of social service programs, policies, and organizations; the evolution of the social work profession; and social reform movements.
Special Collections and Rare Books
SCRB serves as the University Libraries’ general repository for publications that require special handling due to rarity, age, value, or fragility.
Tretter Collection
The Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies includes published materials, organizational records, and personal papers providing insights into the GLBT experience, and is the home of the Tretter Transgender Oral History Project.
University Archives
University Archives is the institutional home for historical documents, departmental collections, data, photographs, publications, and websites of the University, including faculty papers and research and administrative records.
Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
UMJA has materials illustrating the American Jewish experience from a Midwestern perspective, chronicling the activities of supporting ethnic/religious communities and advocacy organizations.
Upper Midwest Literary Archives
The resources in the Upper Midwest Literary Archives are integral to the study of literary history, independent publishing, and writers of the Upper Midwest.
Special collections in other locations
Andersen Horticultural Library
Located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, the AHL is the largest horticultural library in the Upper Midwest, focusing on plants, gardening, botanical art, landscape and floral design, garden history, and the natural history of Minnesota.
Wangensteen Library of Biology and Medicine
Located in Phillips-Wangensteen Building on the East Bank campus, the Wangensteen Library for historical medical research houses 80,000 rare books, journals, and manuscripts in diverse medical and biological subjects spanning from approximately 1430 to 1930.
Search collections
- Collection guides
- Use collection guides (or finding aids) that describe a collection of archival records, personal papers, or manuscripts to locate material for your research. The guide may be a brief summary or a detailed description and inventory.
- Digital collections
- Search our digital collections of images, maps, films and videos, audio tapes, rare volumes and publications, and select items from archival collections.
- Libraries catalog
- Explore the University of Minnesota Libraries catalog for information about rare and special books, periodicals, and other publications held by Archives and Special Collections units.