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.

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

An appointment is required to use Special Collections.  Please call: 516-463-6411.

You can access more information about our different areas, collections, online exhibits, digital photographs and oral histories by clicking on the menu symbol on the upper left hand side of our webpage.

Contact Information

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED THROUGH SUMMER 2020 DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. 

UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE YOUR CALLS OR EMAIL INQUIRIES DURING THIS TIME. 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU AGAIN AS SOON AS WE ARE ABLE TO RE-OPEN.  

THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!