About the Collection

Premier Research Collections

UW Libraries is home to one of the nation’s premier research collections and the largest in the Pacific Northwest. Since the late 1800s, these collections of regional, national, and global significance have been carefully developed and maintained by Libraries staff in partnership with UW faculty and community members.

As stewards of the UW Libraries’ collections and funding from the University and donors, UW Libraries selects, curates, and preserves materials that reflect the full spectrum of teaching, learning and research. The Collections supports over 470 programs, more than 60,000 students, and a global research community. The depth and breadth of the collection is reflected in many one-of-a-kind, rare materials with an emphasis on regional histories as well as international and distinctive collections that include artifacts dating as far back as first century BCE.

The Libraries’ collection is constantly evolving to support access to and promote preservation of the widest range of educational, cultural, scientific, and historical resources possible, guided by our mission, vision and values.