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

To learn more about our work and get updates on research, new acquisitions and opportunities, read and subscribe to our blog, Unbound. 

Events

Upcoming Events

Latest News

Construction-paper collage featuring multi-colored hands reaching for a big, yellow star.

Three Libraries Team Members Receive 2025 Outstanding Employee Awards from the UO (external link)

Director of Operations Amy Lake, Processing Archivist Sarah Lueders, and Research and Learning Spaces Manager Jimmy Murray were among 16 classified staff and OAs honored with the 2025 University of Oregon Outstanding Employee Award. Presented by University of Oregon Human Resources, these awards recognize individuals who exemplify excellence in their work and positively impact the campus community.
Emily Moore holding an open book, standing next to a bookcase in Special Collections.

Meet Your Librarian—Instruction and Outreach Archivist

Emily Moore works closely with the library faculty to make archives more accessible, fostering learning and curiosity for all students. Whether she's guiding the analysis of art pigments in collection materials or helping a student navigate their first encounter with rare books, Emily is focused on building connections between people and the library’s collections.
Three people sit at giant, old computers.

Join SCUA as a Thomas Intern this Fall (external link)

Application Deadline: Monday, June 16. This is an opportunity designed for students who are passionate about preserving history, working with primary source materials, and gaining hands-on experience in archival practices. Thomas Interns contribute to real-world archival projects in Special Collections and University Archives while building foundational skills for careers in libraries, archives, and cultural heritage institutions.