History

WSU Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives

Special Collections and University Archives is the unit within Wichita State University Libraries that acquires, arranges, preserves, and makes available to the public rare and unique books, manuscripts, university records, photographs and other images, and Kansas maps and atlases.

Digital Collections

• Over 200 digital collections showcase the breadth and depth of the holdings in Special Collections and University Archives. Check back often for new content -- thousands of items are digitized each year.

Manuscript Collections

• Over 500 manuscript collections provide research opportunities for students, scholars and community users.

Map Collections

• Over 325 digitized Kansas maps dating from 1556 to 1900.

University Archives

• Non-current materials that document the administration, people and programs of Wichita State University since its founding as Fairmount College in 1895.

Rare Books

• Search for these books in the WSU Libraries' online catalog. Use the "Special Collections & University Archives" filter to limit the search. The books are available for onsite use only. 

Local History

• View local history resources including the Tihen Notes on major Wichita newspapers, directories, maps, photos, postcards, clippings, and related collections.