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Special Collections

Please be advised that the Special Collections Reading and Instruction Room will closed for renovations at some point this summer. Contact us at inspc@lehigh.edu for more information.

Special Collections was established to collect, preserve, and provide access to historical collections that encompass rare books, manuscripts, and the Lehigh University archives. Housed in the historic Linderman Library, opened in 1878, Special Collections holds materials that not only document its extensive 1929 addition but also its award-winning 2006 restoration.

Special Collections holds a rare book collection of over 40,000 volumes, with first editions of English and American literature from the 17th to the 19th centuries.  Other strengths are in travel and exploration, natural history and ornithology, and works of historical significance in science and technology. Holdings in the history of technology are actively being expanded; they focus on large scale construction, such as works on bridge building and design, and iron and steel construction. Another focus is mining and metallurgy.

Special Collections also holds manuscripts and personal papers. Frequently consulted collections include the papers of Les Whitten, successful novelist and Watergate-era investigative reporter; the Congressional papers of Francis E. Walter; and the papers of the Lehigh presidents. In 2005, Lehigh acquired the Philip I. and Muriel M. Berman Archives. A collection of autograph letters has been digitized for research and curricular use in the I Remain project.

The Lehigh University Archives contains documents, photographs, and publications of the University, papers of faculty members, and Lehigh memorabilia. Special Collections is also the repository for Lehigh theses and dissertations and over 20,000 photographic images.

Research Services

Discover material, make requests, and schedule a visit

Lehigh History

Information and resources on Lehigh's role in engineering, sciences, education, arts and humanities, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Digital Collections

Digitized material and scholarly digital projects. Read more about individual projects.

Exhibitions

Lehigh Preserve

Friends of the Library

Transfers and Gifts

How to make transfers, gifts, and donations to Special Collections.

Social Media

GENERAL INFORMATION

Local history, Lehigh University collections, and photographs are generally available the day of your visit. We are located in Linderman Library 3rd Floor West Room 341. Our public hours are Monday through Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Morning visits may be arranged by appointment.
 
Contact Information
General email: inspc@lehigh.edu
Phone: 610-758-4506
 
Lois Fischer Black, Curator of Special Collections
Phone: (610) 758-5185
 
Ilhan Citak, Archives and Special Collections Librarian
Phone: (610) 758-4506
 
Alex Japha, Digital Archives and Special Collections Librarian
Phone: (610) 758-5337
 
Eunice Rankin, Collections Assistant
Phone: (610) 758-4895
 
Mailing Address:
Special Collections
Lehigh University
Linderman Library
30 Library Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015