Special Collections Overview

About Special Collections

Mission Statement 

Binghamton University's Special Collections Department collects, organizes, interprets, preserves, and provides access to unique materials that enhance, support and encourage research, teaching and learning by all members of the Binghamton University community as well as researchers from around the region, state, nation and world.  

What We Collect

Special Collections holds scarce, distinctive, and primary source materials in a variety of formats and subject areas, from the 14th century to the present. Formats include books and printed material, archival and manuscript materials, photographs, film and sound recordings, maps, posters, artwork, and realia. Collecting strengths include the areas of performing and fine arts, archaeology, poetry, American and English literature, book and printing history, local history, the Civil War, French Colonial history, Binghamton University history and faculty authors, and Kurdish studies. 

Materials are acquired through internal transfer, donation, and purchase. Selection of materials is made on the basis of age, rarity, provenance, format, subject, and potential research value.

For additional information about our collection policies, consult the following: 

Collection Development Policy

University Archives Policy

Faculty Papers Policy

For information on making a gift of unique books and materials to the University Libraries, visit our Gifts in Kind page.