Reading room with windows along one wall in Special Collections and University Archives

Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA)

About the Library

Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) plays a vital role in shaping the future by preserving the past. We collect, preserve, and catalog a wide range of materials, including rare books, personal and family papers, organizational archives, Oregon-related documents, visual materials, and historical records of the University of Oregon. These resources are made available for research and learning, offering valuable access to the UO community and scholars worldwide.

Today’s Hours

10am - 4pm
View all hours of the Special Collections and University Archives
Map of the Knight Library.

Location and Contact

Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA)

Paulson Reading Room
Knight Library, 2nd floor North

1501 Kincaid St. 
Eugene, OR 97403
Google Map

Email: spcarref@uoregon.edu (preferred) 
Phone: 541-346-3068 (voicemail only)
Request Research Assistance
 

SCUA Resources

EXPLORE COLLECTIONS
SCUA is home to rich collections including rare books, manuscripts, audio-visual materials and University Archives.
Searching for Collections
PLAN A VISIT
We are open to all members of the UO community and the general public. We require all patrons to register and request materials at least five business days in advance of their visit. 
Learn more about Visiting
BRING YOUR CLASS TO SCUA
Our instructional sessions offer your students the opportunity to work with rare and archival materials in a hands-on and engaging environment. Visit for a single session, or collaborate with SCUA faculty on assignments and scaffolded series. 
Learn more about Instruction

Search Special Collections and University Archives

For more information about searching and accessing our materials, see our Searching for Collections page. 

 

REQUEST DIGITIZATION AND PERMISSIONS
We encourage robust use of our collections in support of research, teaching and learning, scholarship, and creative endeavors. Digitization, reproductions, and permissions are available upon request. 
Reproductions and Permissions
ACCESS ARCHIVAL MATERIAL
Detailed guides to our archival materials are available in our finding aid database. With this discovery tool you can browse, search, and filter all of our unique materials (manuscripts, photographs, architectural drawings, audiovisual items, and university archives).
Finding Aids
EXPLORE DIGITAL RESOURCES
Special Collections has digitized photographs, documents, audiovisual material, newspapers, theses, and dissertations available for research.  Research guides and digital exhibits are also available. 
Digital Resources
A researcher looking at a book with a magnifying glass

Fellowships and Student Opportunities

SCUA offers funding and onsite internships for researchers, students and our global community. 

Discover Opportunities

170,000+
collection items
1,300+
students taught every year
$23,500
offered in research funding per year

Events

Upcoming Events

Latest News

View through two tiny galleries windows reveals photography and yarn elements of the art installations inside.

Tiny Galleries Exhibitions 2025-2026 (external link)

Each academic year, student curators transform historic Knight Library phone booths and display cases in the Design Library Relaxation Area into miniature, immersive art installations. Meet this year's artists and learn about their materials, methods, and what inspires their work.
Portrait photo of Heghine Hakobyan standing outside Knight Library. She is wearing a patterned sweater and scarf.

Meet Your Librarian—Slavic, German and Scandinavian Studies

Meet Heghine Hakobyan, the UO Libraries’ Slavic, German and Scandinavian Studies Librarian; also the Interim Subject Specialist for Religious and Judaic Studies. Full of great experiences and stories, she is an invaluable resource for researchers and students.
Reading room with windows along one wall in Special Collections and University Archives

Archives Uncovered: Insights from SCUA Research Fellows

The inaugural Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) Research Fellows Panel was held on Friday, October 3. The event featured research presentations and discussion spotlighting an international group of emerging scholars from across disciplines.