A number of Special Collections books and all UH theses and dissertations are currently undergoing treatment and cleaning as the result of a recent mold outbreak in our stacks. Please be advised that the item you wish to use may not be available at this time.

Fortunately, our boxed manuscript and archival materials were not affected and those may be used without difficulty. But until the source of the mold is specifically determined and our stacks are once again free of any contaminates, we will not re-introduce cleaned books into this environment.

We will issue updates as they are warranted, and sincerely regret any difficulties that may be caused for our patrons as a result of this recent problem.

As part of the University of Houston Libraries’ Strategic Directions Initiative, Special Collections has completed its census of projects and initiatives which fall into current, future and "blue sky" categories.  Broad topical areas include:

• Digital Projects
• Instruction
• Cataloging & Collections Access
• Collection Processing
• Reference, and
• Stacks Maintenance

These areas align with already-identified strategic directions such as supporting new models of scholarly communication, the re-branding of the libraries, development of a teaching & learning center, and the expansion of the Libraries’ virtual presence. 

Special Collections is happy to announce the launch of our weblog.

Contributions will be primarily from Special Collections librarians and staff, but all are welcome to comment. Our goal is to share news from our department as well as resources that may be of interest to our researchers and colleagues.