Special Collections: About

The Library collects, organizes, preserves and provides access to special collections, including the Stockton University Archives and the general history and culture of southern New Jersey. These are available in the Reading Room, by appointment. 

Many works of art are displayed in the Library, and it is a Federal Depository for government documents. The Digital Collections repository provides open access to Stockton's publications and historical documents, unique and specialized collections and the intellectual and artistic work of the Stockton community.

• To collect, organize and preserve materials of enduring intellectual value in all formats created by administrators, alumni, benefactors, donors, faculty, staff and students of Stockton.
• To acquire, through donation or purchase, first or early editions of literary works, books written by New Jersey authors, material about Stockton or books by and about people affiliated with the University, local, regional and state history and materials on the Pinelands.
• To support research, teaching and the intellectual integrity of Stockton publications by making available and encouraging the use of archival collections by the University community and the general public.
• To promote knowledge and understanding of the history, student life, academic goals and vision of Stockton University.
• Encourage public awareness and the importance of preserving materials relevant to Stockton University and the surrounding community.

The holdings of Special Collections have grown as a result of donations of rare and unique materials. The collections contain a wide range of formats including printed books, manuscripts, pamphlets, magazines, maps, photographs, audio/visual recordings, and other formats that support the Library's mission to serve the needs of the Stockton community, students, and faculty.

Gifts in many areas are sought and considered. The Archives and Special Collections continues to welcome such gifts in order to enhance the research and intellectual value of our holdings. In addition, we actively seek new initiatives and acquire new collections in anticipation of, or response to, changing academic needs and interests.

We are also committed to developing unique and distinctive collections in areas where we have little coverage. Materials may also be transferred from the General Collection in order to preserve their intellectual and research value.

Local History: Books, serials, pamphlets and manuscripts about the history of Stockton, Atlantic City and County, the state of New Jersey and the Philadelphia area.

American History: Biographical, political and regional histories from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Authors Affiliated with Stockton: Journal articles, books and reviews written or edited by Stockton alumni, donors, faculty, staff and students.

Early Printing and Local Authors: Works published in southern New Jersey or written by local authors.

American Literature: Rare or special works of fiction and nonfiction from major authors, illustrated folios and children's literature.