Welcome to Special Collections!

The Lehigh Libraries Special Collections is the home of the university’s archives, local history, manuscript and rare book collections, and is open to the Lehigh community and the public. The collections preserve and provide access to thousands of linear feet of archival materials and over 40,000 rare books.

But there’s more to Special Collections than just our collections! We answer hundreds of reference questions every year and offer class instruction and research assistance for Lehigh faculty and students. We are also open to scholars and community researchers. We host events, open houses, and exhibitions throughout the year. Please contact us today! 

Schedule an Appointment

• The easiest way to access our collections is to fill out and submit our user registration form. This form will ask for your contact information, a proposed visit date, your research topic, and any material in which you are interested.

Request Materials

• Lehigh researchers who know what Special Collections materials they would like to access can use the request form at the bottom of ASA catalog item pages.
• Archival collections can be searched using our Research Portal. Archival material can be requested via email directly from collection or item pages. You can also submit a user registration form mentioning the material, or contact us via email or phone (610-758-4506).
• If you are a non-Lehigh user or do not know what specific materials you would like to access, we encourage you to call (610-758-4506) or email Special Collections staff to arrange access. Our collections are open to outside users but some request methods require a Lehigh account.

Schedule a Class Visit

• Would like to integrate Special Collections materials into your instruction? Lehigh Faculty and staff can submit the class visit form to schedule a session with Special Collections.