Special Collections Library

Special Collections Library

The Special Collections Library is WKU Libraries’ research center for primary sources. Originally called the “Kentucky Library” with a mission to collect “all things Kentucky,” the collection quickly grew to encompass the world. We house rare books, photographs, sheet music, rare periodicals and specialized research collections in diverse languages and formats dating from the 15th century to today. Universities and their libraries gain esteem and scholarly reputation through their distinct library special collections. Our holdings are unique artifacts of local, national and international importance.

This research unit currently includes more than 75,000 books and periodicals, thousands of unique extant examples of ephemera, music and political memorabilia, and an ever growing number of photographs, images, and sound/video recordings. Our materials can be accessed through TOPCAT, TopSCHOLAR^®, KenCat, and in-house paper finding aids.

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Reading Room Policies
 

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Photocopy Services

Unless their fragility prohibits, most items in the Special Collections Library may be photocopied.  Photocopies cost ten cents.  To arrange for publication quality reproductions, go to More about Services and Fees.

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Special Collections Library Faculty & Staff

• Allison Andrews, Assistant Professor, Kentucky Librarian
• Kathy Garrett, Kentucky Library Assistant
• Sabrina Holmes, Archives Assistant
• Jonathan Jeffrey, Professor, Manuscript & Folklife Archives Coordinator
• Suellyn Lathrop, University Archivist & Records Officer
• Sue Lynn McDaniel, Associate Professor, Collections Librarian
• Donna Lile, Manuscript Technician
• Lynn Niedermeier, Manuscripts Assistant
• Nancy Richey, Assistant Professor, Image Librarian
• Sally Ann Strickler, Library Assistant