Rare Book Collections

The Rare Book Collections consist of volumes that, because of their rare, unique, or fragile nature, are segregated from the rest of the library's collections and provided with greater care, security, and attention. The Rare Book Collections include a General Collection and a number of named collections, which honor either author or donor.  Examples of some exceptional books in the collections are a multi-volume set of Edward Curtis' The North American Indian, a 15th century illuminated Book of Hours and an 1825 edition of William Blake's Illustrations of the Book of Job.  The department recently acquired a two-volume King James Bible published by Pennyroyal Caxton and illustrated by Barry Moser.

The Department of Special Collections purchases books that complement Skidmore College's curriculum.  Collecting focuses include fine press and artists' books and classical texts.  Rare books are also added to the collections by gift and by transfer from the general library stacks.

Many volumes in the General Collection can be found in the library's on-line catalog, LUCY2.  Several of the smaller, named collections are not yet cataloged and therefore cannot be accessed through the on-line catalog.  Please contact Special Collections for inventories of each collection. 

Although books from the collections do not circulate, they may be used in the Pohndorff Reading Room during regular hours. Users must agree to follow Special Collections Guidelines for Use in order to obtain access to the Rare Book Collections.