Washington University Libraries, Department of Special Collections

The Special Collections Department, located on Level 5 of Olin Library, consists of three divisions.

University Archives: Collections include Washington University history, 1853 to the present, and history of 20th century St. Louis, with emphasis on political, business, social welfare, and transportation history.
Manuscripts Collections: Includes the Modern Literary Manuscripts Collection, consisting of manuscripts, drafts, worksheets, and correspondence of a number of important British and American writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. These collections, together with the Modern Literature Collection in the Rare Books and Printed Division, form one of the most comprehensive research collections of its kind in the country.
Rare Books Collection: The largest of the University's rare book collections, now numbering nearly 43,000 printed pieces. Subject areas covered by the the rare book collection include:
- Incunabula (books printed before 1501)
- Western European imprints produced in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries representing all the disciplines for which Olin Library collects
- Extensive British and American Literature holdings for the 19th century
- Works on the technical and aesthetic aspects of printing, especially typography
- Early history of the St. Louis area and westward expansion
- Modern British and American Literature, and contemporary poetry

Special Collections Staff

Holly Hall, Head of Special Collections
Jon Grennan, Rare Book Catalog Librarian
Kevin Ray, Curator, Modern Literature Collection
Carole Prietto, University Archivist
Anne Posega, Special Collections Assistant

Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (except on University holidays)

Circulation

Materials do not circulate outside the Department because they are unique and/or fragile. Special Collections staff will retrieve items for use in the George N. Meissner Memorial Reading Room. The Isador Mendle Room is available for classes and for others requiring group access to materials housed in the Department.

Reproduction

All photocopying of Special Collections materials must be performed by Special Collections staff. Reproductions may be made if the original will not be damaged in the process. Copyright restrictions are observed, and fees may apply.

How to contact Special Collections

E-mail: spec@library.wustl.edu

U.S. Mail:

Phone: (314) 935-5495

Fax: (314) 935-4045

Watch this space for information about upcoming exhibits in the Special Collections Department!

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prietto@library.wustl.edu (4/12/95)