Library sets new destination for special collections researchers

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The U-M Library is announcing the opening of the Special Collections Research Center on the sixth floor of the Hatcher Graduate Library.

With newly-renovated spaces for reading, instruction and consultation, the center is designed to maximize the opportunities for engaging with the library’s extensive collection of unique, rare, and primary source materials.

This new designation for what had been known as the Special Collections Library reflects the space’s focus on serving the needs of individual and group research, says the center’s director, Martha Conway.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer more opportunities to connect researchers, instructors, and students with our collections, and with the passionate expertise of our librarians and curators,” Conway said.

The Special Collections Research Center is home to more than 300,000 published volumes, and approximately 8,000 linear feet of manuscript and archival material

Notable collections and subject strengths include:

• The papers of distinguished authors, poets and filmmakers.

• Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts.

• Early printed books.

• European military history.

• American culinary history.

• Anarchism, radicalism and social protest.

• Children’s literature.

• Philippine history.

• Early histories of astronomy, mathematics and medicine.

• Transportation history.

The Special Collections Research Center officially opens in March, and has been welcoming researchers and classes since September. It is open to students, faculty, visiting researchers and the wider community.

Collection material must be requested in advance via the library website.

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