Special Collections
The Special Collections department collects materials of enduring historical and cultural value -- housing, preserving, and making accessible materials that are original, rare, unique, fragile, 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.
We have resumed on-site services in addition to remote support to all researchers. For assistance with research, accessing collection materials, or preparing instruction, please contact the Special Collections staff directly. We can be reached by:
- chat (select "Ask a Librarian" button on the right side of any webpage)
- e-mail (speccoll@umbc.edu)
- voicemail (410-455-2353)
- online research consultation with an archivist (schedule a consultation here).
Hours and Appointments
Use the online scheduling service to reserve an on-site research appointment. Appointments are available during regular hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 12-4pm and Thursday 12-7pm.
For 2023, our hours are as follows:
Regular hours Jan 28-March 10, 2023
Closed March 19-25
Regular hours March 27-May 9, 2023
By appointment May 10-August 29, 2023
Interested in Fall 2022 instruction options? Please review our instruction page.
Looking for the Documenting COVID-19 at UMBC project? Learn more here.