Special & Area Studies Collections
Our materials and personnel advance the University’s research mission and spark the minds of its students.
14 Our department is home to fourteen collections with substantial holdings of rare print, maps, archives, and manuscripts.
2,983 Last year, our department taught 2,983 students in more than 120 classes amounting to over 150 hours of instruction.
100 Smathers Library turns 100 years old in 2025.
our spaces
what’s new
Recently Processed, Expanded or Revised…
The following collections in the Special and Area Studies Department have been recently processed, expanded or revised at the University of Florida.
An Ensemble Performance at the Panama Canal
A new exhibit highlights the people and essential tasks that have made transiting the Canal safe and successful.
Annual Michael Gannon Lecture
“Reading Florida’s First Native Authors: Towards an Understanding of Timucua Literature” The George A. Smathers Library cordially invites you to…
featured video
Working in Special Collections as a UF Student
Dozens of students work in the collections every year on projects large and small. In this video, a recent graduate of UF, Catherine Ziegler, describes her experience working with the different researchers and collections over her time as a student. Our congratulations to Catherine, as well as all of our student workers: current, past, and future.
our department & building
Our Department
Who We Are
We promote, preserve, and grow our collections to create new knowledge from old.
Our Building
Smathers Library
A landmark of learning on the UF campus.
contact us
Directory
Special and Area Studies Collections Faculty and Staff
