Indiana State University Library
Cunningham Memorial Library | Your Campus Living Room
Special Collections
General Description & Policies
The Special Collections Department of the Cunningham Memorial Library holds the University's unique physical and digital collections. Special Collections consists of three units: Rare Books & Manuscripts, University Archives, and the Permanent Art Collection. These three units hold, preserve, and make accessible art, University's history, local history collections, the world-famous Cordell Dictionary Collection, and Rare Book collections on a variety of subjects.
Open Hours
Hours Open to Public
Classes in Session: Walk-ins Mon.-Thurs. 1-4 pm
Open other times by appointment. (Regular business hours)
Classes NOT in Session: Open by appointment during regular business hours.
Closed when the University is closed
Please email us at ISU-SpecialCollections@indstate.edu for an appointment!
We look forward to seeing you.
- Special Collection Hours: (Today's hours)
- Cup & Chaucer Hours: (more café hours)
- Library Events (university calendar)
510 N 6 1/2 Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809
Rare Books & Manuscripts
Featured Collections
ISU's Special Collections Department houses 21 major collections and several repositories that contain books, manuscripts, pamphlets, prints, photographs, maps, and memorabilia. We are open to the public.
University Archives
Featured Collections
The University Archives serves as the designated repository for material of historic, legal or administrative value. We collect, preserve, and make accessible a wide variety of material ranging from ISUs foundation in 1865 to the present.
Permanent Art Collection
Collection Overview
Containing approximately 4,000 works of art, the Permanent Art Collection is available to classes and the public any time through a searchable online database or in person upon request.
Resources and Services
Collection Overview
If you would like to work with Special Collections staff and resources, please follow the link to learn more about our Reading Room policies and procedures, how to arrange a class visit or class assignment using our resources, and to learn about other Special Collections services and policies.
Exhibits
Featured Collections
Special Collections staff use our collections to create exhibits three times a year. Exhibits can be found on the 3rd floor of the Cunningham Memorial Library, as well as online. Come back each semester to see the new exhibit or follow the link to see past and current exhibits online!.