New! ENCHANTING RUIN: TINTERN ABBEY AND ROMANTIC TOURISM IN WALES
Visit the web exhibit here.

The Library

The Special Collections Library holds internationally recognized collections of books, serials, ancient and modern manuscripts, posters, playbills, photographs, pamphlets, artwork, and other materials. Tracing their roots back to one of the earliest Rare Book Rooms in the United States, these collections are the primary basis of research for many scholars, both from the University of Michigan and from around the world.
Read the Library's Mission Statement here.

Using the Collections

Staff and subject curators are available to assist students and researchers in identifying materials for research, bringing requested items to the client, taking requests for photocopies or scans, providing general and specific assistance in the research process, and answering questions about the collections and their use. Portions of the library's holdings may be found in Mirlyn, while others may be accessed through local databases, printed finding aids, and card files. In keeping with standard special collections and archives procedures, materials do not circulate outside of the Reading Room.
Note: Some materials from the Special Collection Library are stored off-site and are only available by prior request. If you are coming from a distance, please let us know one week in advance which materials you plan to use.

Orientations and Classes

Orientations and general introductions to the holdings of the Special Collections Library, including subject-oriented presentations, may be arranged by prior request. Classes are welcome.