While archives are usually defined by collections of historical records or documents, Special Collections are slightly different from archives. Special Collections are rare materials that are connected by origin or theme. The materials in a special collection are typically non-circulating and are beneficial to scholars and researchers who may view these materials in person at the institution where they are housed.

The special collection institution may hold and manage certain types of special collections, such as historic medical books, to stand apart as unique from other institutions. Academic, public, and sometimes even school libraries may have special areas for collections of resources and materials that hold unique value for the institution or the community. Some examples of these resources may be:

• Rare books
• Historical documents
• Maps
• Genealogical materials
• Clothing

Below is a video to help give you a better sense of what is a special collections.