Special Collections
Special Collections serves as the repository for the University's collections
of rare books and manuscripts, and for holdings relating to its own history.
Rare Books
The rare book collection consists of over 25,000 volumes representing a
variety of subjects. The most important of these are first editions of
English and American literature from the 17th to the 19th centuries, travel
and exploration, natural history and ornithology, and works of historical
significance in science and technology. Highlights from among these subjects
include John James Audubon's Birds of America (4 vols., London,1827-1838),
a complete collection of first and early editions of Charles Darwin's writings,
including corrected page proofs for On the Origin of Species (London,
1859), part-issue copies of the works of several Victorian novelists, including
Charles Dickens, important early printed editions of Geoffrey Chaucer's
works, and all four folio editions of Shakespeare's plays.
History of Technology
The holdings in the history of technology concentrate on large scale construction,
and mining and metallurgy. Among the latter is Agricola's
De Re Metallica
(Basel,
1556). In the former category are included a number of classic and seminal
works on bridge building and design, and construction with iron and steel.
The collection in the history of technology, in particular, is being actively
increased.
Manuscripts Collection
The collection has also added to its holdings of manuscripts, in addition
to papers relating to the University's history. The most important of these
are the papers of Pulitzer prizewinning historian Lawrence Henry Gipson,
formerly a Lehigh faculty member, the papers of Les
Whitten, successful novelist and Watergate-era investigative reporter,
and the Congressional papers of Francis
E. Walter.
University Archives
The Lehigh Collection contains documents and publications of the University,
papers of faculty members, and memorabilia from the University's history.
In addition, it is the repository for Lehigh theses and dissertations.
Location and Hours of Special Collections
Access to the Special Collections material is through the Bayer Galleria,
on the third floor of the Linderman Library. Reading room hours are 1 p.m.to
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for University holidays. Researchers
coming from a distance may make arrangements for longer access times. All
persons, whether members of the University community or not, with a legitimate
need to use materials in the collection, are welcome. Photocopying and
photographic services are available for a fee.
Finding Special Collections Material
Nearly all of Special Collections materials are represented in ASA, the
Libraries' online catalog. The over 10,000 photographic images in the Lehigh
Collection are comprehensively indexed in a computer database. Some of
our materials have finding aids
to assist you in your research.
Special Collections Staff
Special Collections can be reached by email at inspc@lehigh.edu
-
Philip A. Metzger, Curator of Special Collections, Phone: (610)
758-5158, Email: pam5@lehigh.edu
-
Ilhan Citak, Special Collections Assistant, Phone: (610) 758-4506,
Email: ilc4@lehigh.edu
- Fax: (610) 758-6091
- Note: General departmental calls: (610) 758-4506
Last updated: Tuesday, 23-Dec-2008 02:56:25 EST