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Mission
The Special Collections Unit, through its collections of rare books,
manuscripts, university archives, oral histories, and local documents,
contributes to the ability of the Library and Information Services to
create and share information by providing original research materials
not otherwise available. This is achieved by appropriate collection
development policies and cooperation with other institutions, exemplary
services offered to a diverse clientele, commitment to teamwork and
partnership, and the application of enabling technology.
Vision
The Special Collections Unit is dedicated to supporting the teaching,
research, and public service missions of the university by acquiring,
organizing, preserving, and making available to a wide audience rare
and unique materials in certain defined categories.
History of Special Collections
The unit was established in 1973 to administer the library's Rare
Books and Manuscripts collections and the University Archives.
The organization of the unit was stimulated by a substantial gift for
the purchase of rare books by Harry L. Dalton, local businessman, bibliophile
and art collector. The collections now include almost 8,500 rare books,
1000 oral history interviews, more than 1,500,000 manuscripts items
and approximately 1,400,000 items in the University Archives.
Because of their uniqueness, rarity, or format materials in Special
Collections require special care in maintenance and use. The collections
are housed in areas with controlled temperature and humidity and must
be used under supervision in the Dalton Rare Book and Manuscript Room.
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