Special Collections Research Center

Search by keyword for manuscript and archival material in our finding aids

Tips:

• Search the Special Collections Research Center finding aids and blog for collections relevant to your research in the Search Box on our home page. Search by keywords, subject, topic, or person 
• If you are having difficulty determining whether the Special Collections Research Center holds archival material related to your topic, email the Research Services Coordinator

Search for rare books in our catalog

Tips:

• In order limit your results to rare books: limit your search by location - "Fenwick Special Collections." That will narrow down any future keyword, title or author search to materials held by the Special Collections Research Center.
• If you are having difficulty determining whether the Special Collections Research Center holds rare books related to your topic, email the Research Services Coordinator

The Special Collections Research Center is located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University in Fenwick Library Room 2400 (2nd floor). The Special Collections Research Center is open to the general public. 

Researchers can make an appointment in advance by emailing the the general Special Collections email. Walk-ins are welcome.

All researchers must complete a Researcher Registration Agreement and provide a photo ID prior to using the collection.

Access Policies

• Researchers must fill out Document Request Forms in order to look at materials, and are limited to 1 box at a time.
• Researchers agree to handle all library collections gently and carefully and to keep loose documents in the order they are found.
• Researchers may not under any circumstances remove collection materials from the reading room.
• All food and beverages (including water bottles) are prohibited in the Reading Room
• Laptops are permitted, but personal scanners are not allowed.

Semester Hours:

We are open Monday-Friday 10:00-1:00PM for Walk In hours and Monday-Friday 1:30-4:30 by Appointment Only. Virtual reference is available on case by case basis. Please contact speccoll@gmu.edu.