About Special Collections

Mission

Collections and staff in the Special Collections reading room

The Special Collections Department of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, serves to collect, house, preserve, and make accessible scholarly collections of materials that are original, rare, unique, fragile, historical, and archival. Our collections and staff support UMBC’s research and educational mission and its dedication to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility and lifelong learning.

Topics held in particular depth in our collections include photography, the history of the biological sciences, the Baltimore Sun newspaper, science fiction literature and popular culture, alternative presses and radical literature, Parapsychology, UMBC history and records, and Maryland history.

Collecting Guidelines

Our collections support the learning and research activities of UMBC. Our collection management and development strategies are guided by the values of open access, diversity, and social justice. We collect materials that supplement or augment existing collecting areas or strengthen areas of interest identified by this policy. Review our Collecting Guidelines to learn more about the planned development of our collections.

Annual Reports

2022-2023 Annual Report

2021-2022 Annual Report

2020-2021 Annual Report

2019-2020 Annual Report

2018-2019 Annual Report

2017 Annual Report

Social Media

Follow Special Collections on Instagram and check out our blog for additional information about our collections, services, and department initiatives.