Special Collections

Rare Books & Manuscripts

Room 032 Joan & Donald E. Axinn Library, South Campus

The Rare Books & Manuscripts department is a repository for several research materials – books, manuscripts, newspapers, maps, and photographs – that are organized in collections, rather than as individual titles. The materials in a collection may be associated with a particular person or group, or they may have other qualities in common, such as great age, rarity, or distinctive physical attributes. It is the focus of the particular collection, rather than the subject matter of the individual items, which gives the collection its identity. These materials complement the circulating collection and form the basis for specialized teaching and research.

Special Collections is currently open by appointment only. Non-Hofstra visitors must receive prior approval.
Phone: 516-463-6411
Hours: Weekdays (Monday – Friday)
9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

For Long Island Studies information, please email.

A collection may represent the historic development of a field of study, a geographic area, or a genre of literature. For example, Hofstra University's Art of the Book Collection includes examples of rare books, incunabula, first editions, fine leather bindings, and private presses.

Access the Collection