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