Special Collections Research Center Guide: About SCRC

The Special Collections Research Center collects and preserves unique and rare historical materials in selected subject areas and promotes the use of these materials by the SIU community, scholars, and the public. Its goal is to advance scholarship and further the educational, research, and service missions of the university. SCRC is located on the first floor of Morris Library in the Hall of Presidents, near the east entrance.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Email: speccoll@lib.siu.edu

Phone: 618-453-2516

Related Links:

Special Collections website

Morris Library website

Other Morris Library research guides

Morris Library Facebook

Morris Library X (formerly Twitter)

Special Collections Research Center materials are grouped into Manuscripts, Political Papers, Rare Books, and University Archives, each with a unique collecting focus.  The list below highlights our topical strengths.

Manuscripts

• African American history and culture of southern Illinois
• American philosophy
• 20th century American and British literature
• Irish studies
• Southern Illinois history and culture
• Theater
• World Wars, with emphasis on World War I

Political Papers

• The careers of state and federal elected officials from southern Illinois districts or representing the state as a whole
• Regional grassroots organizations and activists
• Regional civic organizations
• Governmental organizations
• Organized labor

Rare Books

• Open Court Publishing Company library with emphasis on philosophy and religion
• Personal libraries of individuals such as John Dewey, Lawrence Durrell, Ralph E. McCoy, and R. Buckminster Fuller
• American and British expatriate literature
• Irish literature and history
• James Joyce
• American philosophy
• First Amendment Freedoms
• Southern Illinois history and culture
• World War I and II history
• Spanish Civil War history
• Early print books of the 15^th through 18^th centuries
• Fine printing books of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries
• Historical children's literature

University Archives

• Southern Illinois University history
• Academics
• Athletics
• Student life
• Faculty research
• The careers of distinguished faculty