Missouri State University Libraries

Special Collections and Archives:
General Special Collections

In addition to specialized subject collections, the Special Collections and Archives Department maintains a general classification referred to as "general special collections." This collecting area includes approximately 2,000 books, as well as select manuscript materials that serve to meet the university’s educational goals.

Included within this category are books devoted to a wide range of topics, such as literature, religion, the printing industry, and histories of Europe and America. These volumes are located in Special Collections because of their early date of publication, rare or unique format, subject matter, scarceness, or fragile condition.

General Special Collections also includes the William J. Jones French Literature Collection. This collection contains over 2,000 items and focuses on the literary works of poet Arthur Rimbaud (1854 - 1891) and poet/artist Michel Butor (b. 1926). The collection also contains materials regarding Stephane Mallarme and general works on French literature and literary criticism.

More detailed information on the holdings can be found in the Collection Lists or by searching the online catalog, SWAN.