Special Collections and Archives
The Special Collections Department of Albertsons Library houses books, manuscripts, maps, photos, and other research materials that are unique, rare, or fragile. Most relate to Idaho and adjacent areas of the West, but the department also holds the university's general rare book collection as well. Our collections complement those of the Library's McCain Collection for Western Life. This website describes our collections and provides some general information about the department. Welcome to Special Collections at Boise State University.
The Special Collections Department is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, throughout the year, with the exception of university holidays listed on the Library's Hours page. (In 2009, the Library will also be closed the entire week between Christmas and New Year's). The books and research materials housed in Special Collections may not be checked out, but may be used in the Special Collections reading room on the second floor of the Library, subject to rules governing their use. Photocopying services are available. Because some manuscript collections are not yet processed, researchers are advised to call or write before visiting to confirm their availability.
Our holdings are listed and described in more detail on separate pages
under nine categories. Follow the links to:
Notable manuscript holdings include the papers of several U.S. Senators and Representatives from Idaho, numerous Idaho authors, and other citizens prominent in the civic and cultural life of the Gem State, as well as the archives of a number of organizations, including that of Boise State University itself. Subject strengths include political history and public affairs, environmental issues, the state's literary heritage, and local history, particularly that of southwestern and central Idaho.
Special Collections also mounts occasional online exhibits and compiles bibliographies on topics related to Idaho history and culture.
Articles about the Special Collections Department highlighting some of our collections have appeared in the following publications:
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Boise State University Focus Magazine (Winter 2009)
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A short video about the Idaho Writers Archive (2008)
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Idaho Statesman's Thrive magazine (March 23, 2004)
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Boise State University Focus magazine (Summer 1997)
Staff members of the Special Collections Department are:
Alan Virta, Head of Special Collections
Erin Passehl, Librarian/Archivist
Mary Carter-Hepworth, Assistant Archivist
Jim Duran, Library Assistant
To contact Special Collections, write to us at the address at the bottom of this page, phone us at (208) 426-3958,
or send us an email at the link below.