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
The Revolutionary Power of Storytelling…
This symposium features three authors of Children’s Literature: Jean D’Costa, Olive Senior, and Nikkolas Smith, and highlights African American…
Specters, Sandworms, and Zombies
A new exhibit celebrates the innovative work and legacy of special effects artist Tim Lawrence.
Magic in the Library Event
Come see spooky displays, free stickers, buttons and treats during Smathers “Magic in the Library” Event on October 31st.
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.
