Services in Special Collections and University Archives

The primary purpose of Special Collections and University Archives is to collect, preserve, arrange, describe, and provide access to unique historical materials and significant research collections. To support and complement this primary mission, we engage in many other activities and offer several services.

  • Gifts & Donations
  • Reference & Reproductions
  • Instruction
  • Outreach
  • Equipment Lending (Center for Oral History)

Gifts and donations are important to the vitality of Special Collections and University Archives and its mission to support the research, teaching, and service aspects of this land grant university. The department accepts gifts that will enhance existing collections, contribute to original scholarship conducted by the university community, and further develop the richness of resources used by the University Libraries' patrons.

Special Collections and University Archives accepts materials in electronic, digital, paper-based, and other physical formats. We are committed to acquiring publications, manuscripts, and other materials related to these collecting areas that document the experience of underrepresented and/or marginalized communities, groups, or individuals.

Read the Gifts & Donations Policy for more information.

Special Collections and University Archives individually helps patrons find resources necessary for their work. We have a reference desk as you enter Special Collections and University Archives with a staff member who can help you in your research.

To request reference help, please contact us.

Reproduction & Publication

Special Collections and University Archives also makes copies of items for people on request. We provide digital copies or photocopies to patrons, and patrons who come into Special Collections and University Archives may take photos or make photocopies themselves, with a few limitations. We also provide digital copies for publication, when possible.

Read the Reproduction & Publication Policy for more information.

Special Collections and University Archives has an active program of instruction through university courses and instructional sessions. Sessions aimed at introducing Special Collections and University Archives and enriching more specific topics are available to all instructors.

Though we do many sessions for the History and English departments, as one might expect, we have also provided instruction to classes in Art History, Architecture, Africana Studies, Appalachian Studies, Cinema, Engineering, Forest Resources, Horticulture, Public Administration, Science and Technology Studies, and others. We also offer sessions to K-12 classes.

Contact us for more information or to request an instruction session.

Visit the University Libraries' Instruction & Workshops page for general library instruction requests.

Special Collections and University Archives maintains an active schedule of in-house exhibits, works with the University Libraries on library-wide exhibits, and collaborates with the Alumni Association to update the Alumni Museum at the Holtzman Alumni Center. We are also engaged in a busy program of establishing additional outreach opportunities with other campus departments, local, off-campus institutions, and community groups.

Contact us to discuss opportunities for outreach and exhibits, and connect with us social media and follow our blogs to see announcements about our outreach activities.

Visit Online Collections & Exhibits to learn about and view our digital exhibits.

In partnership with the Center for Oral History, Special Collections and University Archives provides short-term loans of audio and video equipment to support oral history creation in the field. Equipment can be loaned for up to seven (7) days at a time, and includes individual audio recorders and cameras, audio and video kits (with multiple components), and accessories like scanners, mics, headphones, cables, or tripods.

To view our available equipment, visit our Equipment Catalog. Descriptions include links to manuals, lists of what is included in kits or what is supplied with individual items, and our terms of service. Reserved equipment must be picked up at Special Collections and University Archives during our normal hours of operation. If you have questions about borrowing equipment or have trouble making a reservation, please contact oralhistory@vt.edu.