Contact Participating Repositories
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Collection Information
The American Heritage Center (AHC) is responsible for maintaining the University of Wyoming’s Archives, and for collecting, preserving, and disseminating the historical documentation of select aspects of cultural heritage at the local, state, national, and even international levels. The AHC has a vast array of collections, from Wyoming and Western history to Hollywood and the history of the entertainment industry, to the Transcontinental Railroad and America’s transportation industries, to mineral, coal, and oil extraction, to journalism, Women’s Suffrage, and diversity in the West.
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Boise State University Library, Special Collections and Archives
Collection Information
Boise State University Special Collections and Archives in Albertsons Library holds more than 350 manuscript collections of letters, journals, diaries, scrapbooks, photographs, and other primary-source materials that document Idaho history, particularly the Boise and Southwest Idaho, Idaho’s past and present political and environmental history, and the literary history of the state. Research topics include politics, environment, Basque culture, filmmaking, literature, ethnicity, gender, music, geosciences, and many others.The University Archives is the repository for university publications and the official records of the President, Faculty Senate, ASBSU, administrative offices, and academic departments. Materials include the student newspaper, university catalogs, budgets, yearbooks, photographs, audio and video, books, posters, and other ephemera. Research topics include faculty, students, campus life, buildings, academic departments, athletics, student organizations, and university departments.
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Central Oregon Community College
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Central Washington University, Archives and Special Collections
Collection Information
Central Washington University Archives and Special Collections maintains a unique collection of manuscripts, archives, photographs, memorabilia, and books. It collects materials pertinent to the history of Central Washington University and its origins as a teaching college. The Archives also features collections highlighting mining, ranching, dam construction, women’s history, logging, agriculture, and politics in the central Washington region.
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Reproduction fees may apply for some uses of materials from the Archives and Special collections. Information about reproduction services and research room policy is available here: https://www.lib.cwu.edu/Archives-and-Special-Collection-Research-Room-Policy
Visitation Information
During the academic year, the Archives and Special Collections at Central Washington University is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. The Archives is closed on holidays, and open during the summer and intercession by appointment only. Please consult the Archives’ website for hours and directions: https://www.lib.cwu.edu/archives-special-collections. Anyone with a research interest---students, faculty, staff, or the general public---may use CWU’s collections.
George Fox University Archives
Collection Information
The George Fox University Archives hold the records of George Fox University and the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends. Of note are collections on Herbert Hoover, Levi Pennington, Richard Foster, the history of Newberg, Oregon, and Peace Collections.
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Visitation Information
During the school year the Archives are open for drop in research Mon-Fri on all days that the library is open, please see our website for hours. During the summer and winter breaks the archives are available by appointment only. Please contact the archivist with any questions.
Lane Community College Archives
Collection Information
Lewis & Clark College, Special Collections and Archives
Collection Information
The Special Collections are home to rare books, archival collections, and fine press publications with a focus on materials relating Northwest history and literature. Some key collections are the Lewis and Clark Expedition Collection, the William Stafford Archives, and the Lewis & Clark College Archives.
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Please contact Special Collections with any information or copies requests. Lewis & Clark College reserves the right to make a charge for the use of Special Collections and Archives materials and to impose such other regulations and restrictions as it deems appropriate in any individual case. Additional information on research policies, registration, and publication are available at http://library.lclark.edu/specialcollections/hours.html
Visitation Information
The Lewis & Clark College Special Collections and Archives at the Aubrey R. Watzek Library possess research collections that are available to the Lewis & Clark College campus community and the larger community of scholars. For in-person use of the collections please contact Special Collections to arrange a visit. Regular visiting hours are 10am-3pm M-F, or by appointment.
Montana Historical Society, Library & Archives
Collection Information
Archives Collections: The Montana Historical Society Research Center has the most complete and extensive collection of unpublished records and manuscripts documenting the history of Montana and its government. The Archives Collections is comprised of: Manuscript Collections, State and Local Government Records, and Oral Histories. Manuscripts collections are records or papers created or gathered by an organization, individual, or family. Manuscripts collections constitute the core of our research collection and range from the early 1860s to the present. The collection is especially strong on 19th century business history, political history, the history of social and cultural organizations, pioneer diaries and reminiscences, women’s experiences on the frontier, and military encounters. State & Local Government Records: The Montana Historical Society has been the unofficial archives of Montana state government since 1865 and the official state archives since 1969. The State Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to inactive, historically significant state records. In addition to the records of executive branch agencies and elected officials, the State Archives includes records of legislative sessions, and judicial branch records. The Montana Historical Society also acts as a repository for local government records with historical significance. Currently, our holdings include vital records such as birth, death, marriage records and naturalization records from the District Court Clerk’s office and school census records, submitted to the Office of Public Instruction by the County Superintendent of Schools. Oral Histories: Oral history interviews add dimension to the historical record by preserving first-hand recollections of those who may not have initiated historic events, but whose experiences shaped and in turn were defined by those events. Since the 1880s, when interviews were recorded by hand, the Montana Historical Society has conducted oral history interviews with Montanans from across the state, and from various walks of life. The oral history collection covers such topics as homesteading, life during the Depression, farming and ranching, the New Deal and Fort Peck Dam, labor and industry, military history and veterans, war brides, as well as the history of medicine, education and government in Montana. Searching the Collection: Archives materials can be searched through the online catalog and Northwest Digital Archives. Online access to content can be found via the Montana Memory Project.
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Information regarding research or reproduction request fees can be found at: https://mhs.mt.gov/Research/services/repros/photodigital
Visitation Information
The Library & Archives of the Montana Historical Society will close access to collections on December 15, 2022 until early 2025. While we recognize this is an inconvenience, the closure is necessary so we can secure the collections during the renovation phase. If you have any questions please email mhslibrary@mt.gov. For updates on the progress of the renovation visit us at https://mhs.mt.gov/research/
Montana State University Library, Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections
Collection Information
The Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections of the Montana State University Library is the location for finding comprehensive information on select subject areas. Special Collections is committed to assembling primary and secondary scholarly materials on specific topics supporting MSU curricular and research needs. Areas of collecting emphasis include agriculture, architecture and engineering, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, regional writers, Trout and Salmonid, Montana history, and Montana State University.
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Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library
Collection Information
The Sophie Frye Bass Library preserves and provides access to nearly 4 million historic photographs, as well as manuscripts and archives, maps, books, posters, motion pictures and printed ephemera. Our collections cover the Seattle metropolitan area, and certain subjects of the rest of Washington State and Alaska. Archival holdings include business and organization records, personal papers, photographers' collections, and historical research documents.
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The Sophie Frye Bass Library provides reproductions of photographs and other items in our collections. Go to https://mohai.org/collections-and-research/#order-photos for information on terms of use, use fees, and reproduction prices. Use the order form at https://mohai.org/photo-order/ to place an order.
Visitation Information
The Sophie Frye Bass Library is located in the MOHAI Resource Center in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. The address is 5933 6th Avenue South. The library's hours are 1-4 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment.
Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives
Collection Information
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Oregon Historical Society Research Library
Collection Information
The Oregon Historical Society Research Library holds the world's largest collection of archival and published materials relating to the history of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, including the historical regions of the Oregon Country and the Oregon Territory. Visitors can enjoy broad access to these materials, both in the library’s newly renovated reading room and online through OHS Digital Collections (https://digitalcollections.ohs.org/) and our digital history projects (https://www.ohs.org/research-and-library/digital-history-projects.cfm). Learn more at https://www.ohs.org/research-and-library/about-the-library/our-collections.cfm
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The library offers reproductions of OHS collection material as a service for research, personal, educational, creative, or commercial use. For information on reproduction requests and fees, go to https://www.ohs.org/research-and-library/about-the-library/reproduction-and-research-services.cfm
Visitation Information
The library is open from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Walk-in researchers are welcome and there is no charge for admission. Some materials are stored offsite and may require up to one week to retrieve. For more information, see https://www.ohs.org/research-and-library/about-the-library/plan-your-visit/index.cfm or the library’s FAQ at https://www.ohs.org/research-and-library/help/index.cfm
Oregon Institute of Technology Libraries, Shaw Historical Library
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Oregon State University Libraries, Special Collections and Archives Research Center
Collection Information
The Oregon State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Research Center (SCARC) maintains and makes available the University's unique collections of manuscripts, archives, photographs, and books. Its holdings include materials pertaining to the history of science and technology, with the Ava Helen and Linus Pauling Papers as the cornerstone collection; the history of OSU and the contributions of prominent OSU faculty and alumni; cultural and ethnic groups in Oregon; natural resources in the Pacific Northwest, especially agriculture, forestry, and wildlife conservation; and the history of hops and brewing in Oregon.
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The Special Collections and Archives Research Center (SCARC) provides access to reproductions of its content as a means of facilitating research, publication, and scholarly discourse. Detailed guidelines can be found on SCARC's Reproduction and Use page: http://scarc.library.oregonstate.edu/duplication.html
Questions may be directed to: scarc@oregonstate.edu
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Pacific University, Archives
Collection Information
The Pacific University Archives houses the permanent records of the university as well as historic primary sources for research and education. As the first chartered university in Oregon, Pacific holds many items related to the early missionaries and pioneers of the region. Highlights include early Oregon manuscripts, a large collection of historic photographs mostly from Washington County, documents related to the Indian Industrial Training School in Forest Grove, the Governor Victor Atiyeh Papers, and other materials dating from the 1830s to the present.
Copy Information
Digital copies of most items are available on request. Please contact archives@pacificu.edu with a description of the desired material. Some material may be subject to copyright or privacy restrictions.
Visitation Information
The Pacific University Archives welcomes researchers. We are generally open Monday-Friday from 9:30-4:30. Because of our small staff, it is a good idea to email us to confirm your visit time before arriving. Please email: archives@pacificu.edu
Seattle Municipal Archives
Collection Information
The Municipal Archives holdings document the history, development, and activities of the agencies and elected officials of the City of Seattle. Strengths of the records include those documenting engineering, parks, urban planning, the legislative process and elected officials. Holdings include over 6,000 cubic feet of textual records; 3,000 maps and drawings, 3,000 audiotapes; hundreds of hours of motion picture film; and over 1.5 million photographic images of City projects and personnel.The Archives is open to the public. The holdings of the Archives are public records and are managed in accordance with the Revised Codes of Washington public records law and public disclosure law. For more information on holdings, please refer to the various indexes and guides.
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Seattle Pacific University
Collection Information
The Seattle Pacific University Archives serves as the repository for the records documenting the history and activities of SPU and its predecessors: Seattle Seminary and Seattle Pacific College.
Visitation Information
The Archives is open by appointment Monday through Friday.
It is closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
Seattle Public Library, Special Collections
Collection Information
Our Special Collections include a rich assortment of materials documenting many aspects of local history. They include published historical works, Seattle City documents, photographs, newspaper clippings, maps and atlases, Seattle Public School high school yearbooks, ephemeral materials and archival collections. Special Collections is also home to a comprehensive genealogy collection; rare book, art, and autograph collections; and an Aviation collection, first started in conjunction with Boeing in 1929.
Copy Information
Visitors are allowed to make copies or take photographs of most collection materials. Photocopy fees apply for print copies. Patrons with USBs are able to copy and scan with no additional fees.
Visit our Rights and Reproductions to learn about ordering high resolution images from our digital collections: https://cdm16118.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/custom/rights
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Seattle University, Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons, Special Collections
Collection Information
Copy Information
The library reserves the right to provide photocopies of selected materials at 15¢ per page, consistent with prevailing copyright restrictions, or to deny providing photocopies depending on the physical condition of the material. The extent of copying that the Library allows is dependent on copyright ownership and fair use restrictions. Depending on the amount of photocopies requested, library staff may be required to make copies of materials after a researcher’s visit is concluded. In these instances photocopies will be mailed to the researcher with an invoice including copying and mailing fees. Lemieux Library has limited facilities to provide photographic or color prints of materials in this Collection.
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Spokane Public Library, Inland Northwest Special Collections
Tacoma Public Library Northwest Room, Special Collections & Archives
Collection Information
The Northwest Room is the Tacoma Public Library’s local history, genealogy, and special collections department dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and accessible South Sound history information available to the public. Collections are focused primarily on materials relating to the history and development of Tacoma and Pierce County. Formats include books and manuscripts; newspapers; original architectural drawings and blueprints; a large photography collection consisting of nearly a million photo prints and negatives showing scenes, events, and people from Tacoma’s past; moving image and audio files; historical maps; posters, and original art. Unique digital content, such as photos, postcards, and subject-based resource citations are accessible through online digital collections and indexes freely available on the Northwest Room website.
Copy Information
High resolution copies of images from the Northwest Room’s digital collections are available to order. Contact the Northwest Room for more information: nwr@tacomalibrary.org.
Visitation Information
The Northwest Room is open during Tacoma Public Library’s Main location regular open hours.
The Evergreen State College, Malcolm Stilson Archives and Special Collections
Collection Information
Archives are the corporate memory of the institution. Included are the business and operational records of the College that are no longer actively in use in offices throughout the institution. The materials available here must also be either of continuing administrative, legal, or historical importance. Archives provide institutional researchers with documentation on : past policy, procedures, and documentation of official activities on behalf of the college. activities of administrators, staff , faculty - includes personal papers of retired or deceased administrators, faculty, and staff who have been part of the Evergreen Community. academic and leisure education programs - includes program histories. student academic work and student organizatons - includes examples of individual and student group academic work and the corporate records of campus student organizations. In addition, the TESC Archive holds several special collections that support some of the frequently reiterated themes in the College's curriculum including: The Nisqually Delta Association Archives - the archives of the organization dedicated to preserving the last remaining non-industrialized river delta in Washington State. The Washington State Folklife Council Project Archive - Through the use of photographs, video and audio tapes documents a variety of Washington State resident creators of folk arts and crafts. Chicano Archives - a collection of folk art and culture focusing on Chicano culture. Peoples of Washington - a cultural research collection which grew out of research by Sid White and Pat Matheny-White into the diversity of Washington State's population. Washington Worm Growers Association
Copy Information
To request copies contact the Archivist by email, telephone or regular mail (please use the repository contact information provided above)
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University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives
Collection Information
Special Collections and Archives at the University of Idaho Library specializes in the acquisition, preservation, and use of research materials that document the cultural and environmental history of Idaho and the Inland Northwest. The collections include personal papers of individuals and families; business archives of lumber, railroad, mining, and other companies; Idaho state publications; papers of government officials, educators, authors, and business people; records of organizations such as religious, fraternal, civic, and environmental associations; and similar groups. The collection formats include personal papers and archives, photographs, books, serials, reports, maps, blueprints, oral history interviews, and related items.
Copy Information
Special Collections & Archives provides photocopy and scanning services on a case by case basis. Reproduction fees may apply for some uses of materials from the collections. The Fee Schedule is available online: http://www.lib.uidaho.edu/special-collections/spec_documents/DupFeeSchedule.pdf
Image duplication request forms are available online: http://www.lib.uidaho.edu/special-collections/spec_documents/ImgDupRequest.pdf
Visitation Information
Visitors to Special Collections are always welcome. All inventories of manuscripts and archival groups are available online. The book collections and brief descriptions of the archival, manuscript, and historical photograph collections are available through the Library’s catalog. The Special Collections Reading Room is located on the first floor of the University of Idaho Library on the University of Idaho Moscow campus. The Reading Room is open 10:00am-2:00pm Monday through Friday during the year. More information is available online: https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/special-collections/plan.html
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Collection Information
The University of Montana’s Archives and Special Collections holds university records and publications, manuscript collections, regional and historic maps, oral histories and other sound recordings, still and moving image materials, pamphlets, ephemera, architectural drawings and a small number of artifacts. The majority of the department’s materials help to document the people and activities of the University of Montana, Western Montana, and the region, but our collections also include a number of non-Montana rare and valuable books. Some manuscript collections, including the papers of Montana’s US Senators and Representatives, have national and international scope.
Copy Information
The use of digital cameras is permitted with most materials. All photocopying is performed by staff. We reserve the right to limit the number of copies made; to restrict the use of rare and valuable items; and to deny a request because of copyright regulations, privacy rights, donor-imposed regulations, or other rights-related issues. To see our reproduction prices or to order reproductions please check this webpage https://www.umt.edu/library/asc/reproductions/default.php or contact Archives and Special Collections https://www.umt.edu/library/asc/contact/default.php.
Visitation Information
University of Montana, William J. Jameson Law Library
Collection Information
The University of Montana's Jameson Law Library holds the archival collections of individuals who have graduated from or taught for the University of Montana's Law School and who have served the state of Montana with distinction.
Copy Information
The use of digital cameras is permitted with most materials. All photocopying is performed by staff. We reserve the right to limit the number of copies made; to restrict the use of rare and valuable items; and to deny a request because of copyright regulations, privacy rights, donor-imposed regulations, or other rights-related issues.
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University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
Collection Information
Special Collections and University Archives is the primary repository for the University of Oregon's archives, rare books, historic photographs, and one of the largest historical manuscripts collections in the Pacific Northwest. The department preserves the political, social, economic, and literary history of the United States with an emphasis on regional history, and provides curriculum support for on campus researchers, and assistance to amateur and scholarly researchers in many fields.
Copy Information
The Special Collections & University Archives provides reproduction services for a fee. Information on rates, policies, and permissions is available online: https://library.uoregon.edu/special-collections/reproductions-permissions. Patrons may use their own cameras to photograph most materials.
Visitation Information
The Special Collections & University Archives Paulson Reading Room hours can be found on our Current Hours calendar. Anyone with a research interest – students, faculty, staff, or the general public – may use the collections. All users must be registered (can be done online), and request materials at least 5 days in advance of their visit. Information about registration is available online here: https://library.uoregon.edu/special-collections/registration. Instructions on requesting materials is available online here: https://library.uoregon.edu/special-collections/request
University of Puget Sound, Archives & Special Collections
Collection Information
The Archives & Special Collections collects, preserves, and makes available primary source material for the research and teaching use of our students, faculty, and staff. In addition to documenting life at the University, the collections represent regional, national and international issues. The collections include institutional records, manuscripts, rare books, oral histories, photographs, and artists' books.
Copy Information
Please contact the University of Puget Sound Archives & Special Collections for information on copies and fees.
Visitation Information
Students, faculty, visiting scholars, and members of the public with research inquiries are welcome to consult the Archives & Special Collections. During the semester the Archives & Special Collections are open for drop-in visits Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 12:00-3:00 p.m. Other times are available by appointment.
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Collection Information
Special Collections, at the J. Willard Marriott Library, collects and preserves materials that require unusual care or special attention to their acquisition, processing, and patron use. The department’s mission statement is to acquire and make available books, periodicals, documents, photographs, films, and original materials documenting the history of Utah, the Mormons, and the West, with the addition of the Middle East and the University of Utah.
The following link contains a statement on harmful language in library records, https://lib.utah.edu/services/digital-library/index.php#tab7/
Copy Information
Special Collections provides photocopy and scanning services for a fee. To request photocopies from the Manuscripts Division please call 801-585-3076. To request reproductions from the Multimedia Archives please call 801-585-3073. The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms available online at https://lib.utah.edu/collections/special-collections
Visitation Information
The Reading Room is open by appointment Monday-Thursday, from 10am-4pm.
To reach Special Collections staff when the Reading Room is closed, please use the contact information on the right-hand side of each webpage.
In order to schedule a time and allow Special Collections staff to prepare materials for use, appointments should be requested a minimum of 48 hours before a researcher intends to visit. Appointments are available from Monday-Thursday in two-hour blocks, beginning at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm. Additional instructions regarding scheduling appointments can be found in the contact webform (https://forms.lib.utah.edu/special-collections/).
Please contact Special Collections at 801.581.8863 with any questions or additional needs, or contact a curator or archivist with your specific query.
University of Utah Libraries, University Archives and Records Management
Collection Information
Special Collections, at the J. Willard Marriott Library, collects and preserves materials that require unusual care or special attention to their acquisition, processing, and patron use. The department's mission statement is to acquire and make available books, periodicals, documents, photographs, films, and original materials documenting the history of Utah, the Mormons, and the West, with the addition of the Middle East and the University of Utah.
Copy Information
Special Collections provides photocopy and scanning services for a fee. To request photocopies from the Manuscripts Division please call 801-585-3076. To request reproductions from the Multimedia Archives please call 801-585-3073. Reproduction order forms, fee schedules and permission to publish forms are available online: http://www.lib.utah.edu/collections/multimedia-archives/index.php
Visitation Information
All collections held in Special Collections are available to the public. The department's finding aids are accessible online. Special Collections holdings do not circulate, often because of the rarity or value of the item, but primarily to ensure that researchers will have ready access to them. Professional librarians and archivists are available to assist users. The Special Collections Reading Room is open 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday – Friday and 9:15 AM - 6:00 PM on Saturdays. These hours can change due to federal and state holidays or during semester breaks. For further information please review our current hours at http://www.lib.utah.edu/collections/special-collections/index.php
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
Collection Information
The University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives has been collecting and curating unique ethnographic music recordings for over 50 years. Its holdings of more than 15,000 items include field recordings documenting music traditions of all kinds from most areas of the world, concert recordings of visiting musicians, and films and videos of a variety of musical events, as well as several hundred musical instruments. The Archives serves the students and faculty in the UW Ethnomusicology Program, the broader university community, Pacific Northwest tribes, and an international clientele of musicians, students, and teachers.
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University of Washington Libraries, Government Publications, Maps, and Microforms and Newspapers
Collection Information
Special Collections provides service and care of valuable, rare and unique materials. The Historical Photographs, Manuscripts, Pacific Northwest, and Architectural Drawings collections focus on the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska and Western Canada. Collection sources include members of Congress, regional photographers, pioneers and settlers, and local Japanese, Jewish and Scandinavian communities. Another specialty is travel and overland and maritime exploration literature, particularly relating to the discovery of the Pacific Northwest. The University Archives is responsible for records of UW offices and student organizations, and personal papers of prominent faculty and administrators. The Book Arts Collection features both historical and modern pieces relating to all aspects of the physical book. Collections of authors spanning the 18th to 20th centuries include significant regional poets, and a major collection of 19th century American literature. Reference collections emphasize the history of books and printing, regional and local history and materials on the preservation of books and paper. All collections are non-circulating and restrictions on access and use may apply. Some materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for more information.
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University of Washington Libraries, Media Archive
Collection Information
The Media Archive collects and provides access to the UW's main collection of audiovisual materials. Consisting of over 100,000 items on a variety of analog and digital formats, the Media Archive's collections cover a broad and interdisciplinary range of subjects and genres.
In addition to published audio and video material, the Media Archive is home to several unique archival and legacy collections.
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University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Collection Information
Special Collections provides service and care of valuable, rare and unique materials. The Historical Photographs, Manuscripts, Pacific Northwest, and Architectural Drawings collections focus on the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska and Western Canada. Collection sources include members of Congress, regional photographers, pioneers and settlers, and local Japanese, Jewish and Scandinavian communities. Another specialty is travel and overland and maritime exploration literature, particularly relating to the discovery of the Pacific Northwest. The University Archives is responsible for records of UW offices and student organizations, and personal papers of prominent faculty and administrators. The Book Arts Collection features both historical and modern pieces relating to all aspects of the physical book. Collections of authors spanning the 18th to 20th centuries include significant regional poets, and a major collection of 19th century American literature. Reference collections emphasize the history of books and printing, regional and local history and materials on the preservation of books and paper. All collections are non-circulating and restrictions on access and use may apply. Some materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for more information.
Our statement on potentially harmful language in records: https://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcollections/about#HarmStatement
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Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Collection Information
The Division of Special Collections and Archives preserves and makes available the University’s unique collections of archives, photographs, manuscripts and books owned by the Utah State University Libraries. Holdings include Mormon and Utah history including the papers of historians Leonard J. Arrington and S. George Ellsworth; western environmental and agricultural history; the history of Utah State University; western literature including the papers of Jack London; Beat and modern poetry; and the Fife Folklore Archives.
Copy Information
The Special Collections & Archives division provides photocopy and scanning services for a fee. Information about copying policies and links to forms can be found online: https://archives.usu.edu. Information about reproduction for research and publication purposes can be found online: https://library.usu.edu/archives/about/using
Visitation Information
Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Collection Information
MASC holds more than 60,000 glorious rare books that are available for consultation in our reading room. We actively collect in areas that directly support the teaching and research mission of Washington State University and welcome visitors interested in our collections. Our printed collections span more than 500 years from 52 incunabula--books printed before 1501--to modern first editions. Arguably our most important collection is the personal, working library of Leonard and Virginia Woolf (more than 9,000 books). Manuscript collections have been acquired since the early 1900s. They cover a broad range of subjects, and are especially rich in materials relating to the history of eastern Washington State, especially the Palouse region and, more broadly, the Pacific Northwest. The Archives of Washington State University contain materials of permanent administrative or historical value that originates with Washington State University, including its administration, faculty, staff, and students. The University Archives document the activities and history of Washington State University and the people associated with it. These archives include official documents and papers, published and unpublished records, printed resources, ephemera, theses and dissertations, and audio and visual materials. These Archives exist for both historical and administrative purposes. Common uses involve university public relations, architectural research, departmental histories, past athletic events, older university publications, theses and dissertations, biography, and technical questions.
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Visitation Information
Hours: https://libraries.wsu.edu/masc/about
The use of the resources is limited to the Donald W. Bushaw Reference and Research room in the MASC suite, off the rotunda on the ground floor of Holland and Terrell Library. Patrons must register with the attendant, take care in handling the materials, maintain the order and arrangement of collections. The use of laptop computers and digital cameras is welcomed.
Western Oregon University Archives
Collection Information
Western Oregon University Archives preserves and makes available unique collections of manuscripts, archives, photographs, and books that document the history of university since its founding in 1856 and the history of Monmouth and some Oregon regional history. Its holdings include the personal papers of former Oregon governor Robert W. Straub, pioneer families, student life, and materials that document the affect of the university and its programs on nearby towns and people.
Copy Information
Users who request information by mail will be asked to reimburse for postage and photocopying expenses. If you email the Archives, it is possible for staff to send you scanned copies of documents or photographs at no charge.
Visitation Information
If you have a question about any aspect of Western’s history or would like to consult materials, you may use the online Inquiry/Request form or contact us via phone, email, or mail with your request. Please allow staff at least 2 weeks to fulfill any requests or needs.
Western Washington University, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies
Collection Information
The Center for Pacific Northwest Studies seeks to foster greater understanding of the region’s past and present through archival collections which document significant developments in the region stretching from Alaska to Northern California, and from the Pacific to the Rocky Mountains, with a particular focus on northwest Washington, the Olympic Peninsula, British Columbia, and Alaska. Formats include private papers, organizational and business records, correspondence, photographs, maps and architectural drawings, audio-visual resources, artwork and ephemera which describe the region from pre-European contact to the present. Particular emphasis is given to collecting materials that document economic development, cultural and social history, environmental history, and other historically significant trends in the region.
Visitation Information
Appointments are currently required - please contact program for more information and/or to set up an appointment.
Western Washington University, Special Collections
Collection Information
Special Collections provides access to cultural heritage materials that support original research, active learning, and public dialogue around issues and ideas that have shaped our world. Through historical resources such as rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories, we seek to enrich the university’s teaching curriculum and inspire interest in areas ranging from the art and history of the book to topics as varied as children’s literature, nature writing, Northwest fiction and poetry, and campus history. Our Rare Book Collection, in particular, connects users not only to historical texts, but also to the visual and material culture of past eras.
Visitation Information
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm and by appointment (closed weekends/holidays)
Western Washington University, University Archives
Collection Information
WWU Archives is the designated repository for the institutional archives of Western Washington University. Records in the Archives document the university’s people and their endeavors in fulfilment of Western’s mission since the school’s founding in 1893.
Visitation Information
Appointments required. Operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Closed on state holidays. Please contact the repository to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Whitman College and Northwest Archives
Collection Information
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The archives provides photocopy and scanning services. Reproduction fees may apply for some uses of materials from the collections.
Visitation Information
Whitworth University Archives and Special Collections
Collection Information
Whitworth University Archives and Special Collections collects and preserves materials related to the history, development and operation of Whitworth University (and its predecessors). The Pacific Northwest Protestantism Collection gathers and preserves the history of Protestant Churches and religious organizations in Washington,Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Alaska. Selected collections of Missionary endeavors primarily from Asia and Africa are also collected.
Copy Information
Please contact the Whitworth University Archives and Special Collections for policies.
Visitation Information
Visits to the Whitworth University Archives and Special Collections are by appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Willamette University Archives and Special Collections
Collection Information
Archives and Special Collections collects, preserves, and makes available University records of enduring value and primary source materials focusing on the Northwest. This rich collection is a valuable resource for researchers, historians and the general public. Of particular note are Congressional and political papers and the Pacific Northwest Artists Archive. Special Collections include such treasures as a 15th century book of hours, a second folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, and a first edition of Samuel Johnson's dictionary.
Copy Information
A list of reproduction services offered by the Archives and Special Collections is available here: https://library.willamette.edu/archives/about/policies/repro/
For permission to publish, quote, broadcast, perform, or exhibit, contact the University Archivist at: https://library.willamette.edu/archives/about/
Visitation Information
Willamette University Archives and Special Collections is located on the 2nd floor of the Mark O. Hatfield Library and is open 9:00 - noon; 1:00 - 4:00 Monday - Friday, with the exception of Willamette University holidays. The Archives and Special Collections welcomes users from the Willamette community as well as members of the public.