Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) was established at the Iowa State University Library in 1969. SCUA is home to Iowa State University Library's rare books, manuscripts, photographs, audio recordings, film, artifacts, archival records, and other historical documents. Our collections covers a large range of areas, including agriculture and rural life, life sciences, engineering, technology, and Iowa State University history.
The Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives collects, preserves, and shares documentation of the experiences, achievements, and memories of people and organizations reflecting the university's major research areas, with a special commitment to documenting the history of the university. Supporting the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology and human creativity to work, we strive to enrich learning and encourage investigation by a diverse community of users.
Both Manuscript Collections and University Archives contain the same types of materials, such as papers, photographs, film, audiovisual, artifacts, etc. Their primary difference relates to where the records originate.
Manuscript Collections (the Special Collections part of our department) include personal papers and organizational records that have a strong emphasis on the major research areas of Iowa State University, but are not directly affiliated with the university.
University Archives includes Iowa State University administrative records, faculty papers, and alumni collections. University Archives are records created by the university -- by faculty, staff, students, colleges, departments, units, centers, institutes, programs, etc.
You will get access to the materials much faster if you contact the archives in advance. Here's why:
