Special Collections

Welcome to Special Collections at Hofstra University!

Special Collections is comprised of three different areas: The Rare Books and Manuscripts collections which consists of books brought together by a collector or items brought together because of a particular theme; University Archives which focuses on the history of the University; and the Long Island Studies Institute which contains information about the history of Long Island.

Many of the collections you will find in Special Collections are unique and exciting – for instance in the Rare Books section you may find travel or adventure books; art or avant-garde materials; children’s books from previous centuries; or limited edition books with beautiful bindings. The University Archives materials might include the history of a college department or discipline, student newspapers, yearbooks or campus events through the years. Long Island Studies Institute materials might tell the story of Long Islanders in businesses that no longer exist in this part of the state (lace makers or ship captains) or describe activities such as slavery on Long Island, Hispanic cultural or social groups, or perhaps a collection which details 19th century family life on a farm. The Special Collections also include political papers, planning documents, many different formats of materials and wonderful periodical and book materials on a variety of subjects.

A short video introduction to Special Collections (including samples from our collections) can be found here. 

Please visit our website often as we add newly available collections all the time!

Geri Solomon, Assistant Dean of Special Collections & University Archivist
E-mail Geri Solomon

Special Collections News

What to Save and How: An Introduction

Hofstra University Assistant Dean for Special Collections and University Archivist Geri Solomon recently filmed a short video for the New York State Archives titled What to Save and How: An Introduction. In the video, she offers instruction to Margie Miller, wife of 9/11 victim Joel Miller, on how to preserve her precious mementos of him. The video is one in a series aimed at addressing the concerns of those who have 9/11-related materials that they wish to save.

History Unfolding: Preparing for Hofstra's 75th Anniversary

Pulse magazine is a student-run magazine at Hofstra University. All reporting, writing, editing, photography, lay out, web development and promotion for the magazine is performed by the students in the Department of Journalistm, Media Studies, and Public Relations.

View this special Fall 2009 issue of Pulse dedicated to Hofstra History in preparation for Hofstra's 75th Anniversary. The issue can be found in its entirety at:
http://isuu.com/hofstrapulse/docs/fall2009.

Joan & Donald E. Axinn Library, Room 036 | 123 Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY 11549