Special Collections is a department within the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press that collects, preserves and makes accessible unique, rare and/or historically significant materials from medieval manuscripts to contemporary zines. Our holdings, which include a wide range of print materials, personal papers, archival collections, photographs and electronic resources, focus on areas that support the educational programs of the University, with an emphasis on:
- Fine, decorative and applied arts
- English, Irish and American literature
- History and Delawareana, with a concentration in the greater regions of Delmarva and the Delaware Valley
- The history of the book and technology around printing and papermaking
- Horticulture and landscape architecture
- The history of science and technology with concentrations in the history of chemistry and engineering
Special Collections materials are available for use by students, instructors and researchers in the Special Collections Reading Room, which is located on the second floor of Morris Library. Please note that Special Collections materials do not circulate and must be used in the Reading Room.