Special Collections
Research Center

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Manuscript Collections

Introduction

Development of this search interface and funding for EAD encoding was supported by Regional Bibliographic Databases and Interlibrary Resources Sharing Program funds, awarded by the New York State Library.

The manuscript collections of Special Collections provide primary source materials for research in a number of fields. The holdings, which number more than 2000 collections and measure in excess of 30,000 linear feet, have contributed to research produced around the world. Collection strengths are concentrated in the 19th and 20th centuries.

This page gives several ways to access finding aids for the SCRC manuscript collections. You can:

• Browse - alphabetically or by subject area
• Search - full text (Quick Search below) or specific sections (Advanced Search)

Important note: Browse options will show ALL our collections. Search options will search only collections for which an on-line finding aid exists.

RLG Databases:

The RLIN-AMC (Research Library Information Network-Archival and Manuscripts Control file) provides the most extensive overview of the collections. Members of RLG-RLIN may use the Department's library identifier, NXSV, to pull up collection information. 

• Connect to RLG's ArchiveGrid (Requires authentication)

National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections:

This database is also available online through the Library of Congress' National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC).

• Connect to the NUCMC

Selected finding aids are available in microfiche format in the National inventory of documentary sources in the United States published by the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress in 1983 (Chadwyck-Healey Inc.). Additional information can be found in various subject directories, such as Andres Hinding's Women's history sources: a guide to archives and manuscript collections in the United States (Bowker, 1983).

For further information about access, including explanations of restrictions and policies, to ask a reference question, copying fees, or to purchase a finding aid, contact the Department by using our correspondence form, by U.S. mail, or by telephone, at (315) 443-2697.