Special Collections About Our Collections

Our distinctive collections include:

Campus History Collection

Documents all aspects of Western from its opening day in 1899. Access Campus History Collection to view a list of works currently in the collection, arranged by title.

Controlled Access Collection

Unique works requiring special care due to unusual format, unbound or loosely bound material of particular value, delicate or unusual paper, cost, or other distinguishing factors. Items in the Controlled Access Collection are identified by this location name in the online catalog and may be used in the Special Collections research area.

The Fly Fishing Collection

The purpose of The Fly Fishing Collection is to collect, preserve, and provide access to diverse materials illuminating he sport of fly fishing. Currently in development, the Collection includes works by English and American master fly fishers and authors. The Paul and Mary Ann Ford Fly Fishing Collection (see below) which emphasizes American works on fly fishing in America is a major component of The Fly Fishing Collection. Access The Fly Fishing Collection to view a list of items now in the collection, arranged by title.

Mathes Reading Figurines Collection

Over 200 figurines, small sculptures, carvings, and figure groups depicting the act of reading. The collection is the generous gift of Mrs. Miriam B. Snow Mathes, a member of the University faculty from 1934 until her retirement in 1971. Access Mathes Reading Figurines Collection to view a list of items in the collection, arranged by title. Each entry in the list links to a catalog record containing multiple images of the item.

Northwest Collection

Books and other items concerning the history, politics, and culture of the Pacific Northwest and Northwest Washington State in particular. Items in the Northwest Collection are identified by this location name in the online catalog and may be used in the Special Collections research area. Access Northwest Collection to view a list of works currently in the collection, arranged by title.

Paul and Mary Ann Ford Fly Fishing Collection

A growing collection of print materials and artwork focusing on fly fishing in America. The collection is the generous gift of Paul and Mary Ann Ford, who began transferring the collection to Special Collections in late 2003. Access the Paul and Mary Ann Ford Fly Fishing Collection to view a list of works currently in the collection, arranged by title.

Rare Book Collection

Rare books are materials which must be considered rare or in need of special care due to age and/or condition. They are identified as "Rare Book" in the online public catalog, are shelved in a special closed-stacks area of Special Collections and must be used in the Special Collections research area. Access Rare Book Collection to view a list of works currently in the collection, arranged by title.

The Western Collection

Preserves the legacy of scholarship and creativity at Western. The Collection contains a wide range of material including scholarly and literary books and articles, personal memoirs, research reports, musical scores, recordings, graphic works, games, and art originals produced by the University's faculty, staff administrators, alumni, and students, past and present. Access The Western Collection to view a list of the works in the collection, arranged by title.

Western Masters Thesis Archive

Special Collections maintains the archive of theses written by candidates for the Masters degree at Western from its earliest days. Use this link to access a list of masters theses, cataloged by subject, that are included in the archive.