How to use Special Collections

What is Special Collections?

We are an archive that collects rare and unique documents, books, photographs, audio and video recordings, and other primary sources. Everyone is welcome to visit us. Whether you’re looking at a single rare book, investigating your family history, or browsing our collections for a course assignment, we're here to support you as a researcher.

Most of our collections are available to access in person only. Our materials are one-of-a-kind and require special care, so they can't be checked out or taken home. We also have digital collections and exhibits you can access online.

Explore Special Collections

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What we collect

About our collections and the materials we collect.

Desert landscape

Find and use collections

How to search for collections and use them in your research.

Downtown Tucson during urban renewal.

Plan your visit

Where we're located and how to prepare for your visit to Special Collections.

A librarian sits at a service desk in the Main Library.

Get help with your research

Ask us a research question or request duplications and permission to publish our materials.

Unidentified UA students take notes in class during a lecture.

Course instruction

How instructors can bring their students to Special Collections or partner with us on assignments.

Natalie Songer performing her show "Satellites" to a packed audience.

Events and exhibits

Find events and exhibits.

Contact us

We're open to everyone. You don't need an appointment to visit, but be sure to check our hours as we sometimes close for special events.

Find more information about parking and how to find us.

Check our hours