Special Collections is home to over 5,500 rare, unique or historically significant items dating from the 12th century to the present and encompassing a broad range of formats including books, journals, manuscripts, papers and records, photographs, maps, comic books, audio-visual material, realia and ephemera.

Special Collections is a rich and rewarding resource for students, faculty and the community. All are encouraged to consult with library staff to idenify how Special Collections might enhance your creative and scholarly work.

Gifts to Special Collections at the Portland State Library support the acquisition, processing and preservation of rare and unique materials.

Special Collections Research Fellowship

The University Library announces that the first-ever Special Collections Research Fellowship (SCRF) has been established by donors Corey and Stacy Lohman. The SCRF is available to one full-time graduate student who plans on conducting significant original research in support of a thesis, dissertation, or other culminating master’s project using primary materials from the Library’s Special Collections and University Archives. The award is for $10,000 and will be paid in three installments. Applications are now available for this prestigious fellowship at the University Library.  More information about the application process can be found at the SCRF website.