Accessibility

Accessible to persons with limited mobility.

About us


Our purpose is to acquire, arrange, describe, preserve, and make available materials of enduring historic value to support the research needs of Stanford students and faculty as well as the larger community of scholars. Our department comprises three distinct collecting divisions: Manuscripts, Rare Books, and University Archives; a public services division; and an exhibitions and publications program. 

Using the library

Important information about access to collections

We are undergoing a major collection move through 2026. Access to materials may be limited. Most of the rare books collections and portions of the manuscript and archives collections will be difficult to consult from August 2023 to April 2024. If you are planning a research visit or class session, please contact Special Collections to determine availability and options. 

Students and scholars from outside of Stanford should contact the staff with inquiries before they make their plans. Let us know what you are interested in.

Learn more about access to Stanford's rare and distinctive materials.

Special Collections divisions

Further resources

Events

Meet the staff