The Special Collections & Archives division collections comprise more than half a million items, ranging from ostraka, cuneiform tablets, papyri, illuminated manuscripts, and incunabula to modern artist books, literary manuscripts, and business records.
Collections Research Guides
The mission of Heritage & University Archives is to locate, identify, record, assist in the preservation of, and promote knowledge about the history of Florida State University and its predecessor institutions. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and friends have expressed this heritage through published, unpublished, audio and visual materials, memorabilia, ceremonial objects, and official university records.
An overview of the history of Florida State University and its predecessor institutions can be found on the Florida State Heritage & University Archives Research Guide.
FSU Special Collections is home to world-class collections like the papers of Nobel Laureate Paul Dirac, the John M. Shaw Childhood in Poetry Collection, and the Napoleon and French Revolution Collection. Giving to this fund helps up acquire, preserve, and provide access to rare and unusual books and original primary source materials.
Donate Materials
Please email Special Collections & Archives to discuss donating materials to Special Collections & Archives - whether it’s a single item or a large collection.
Do you have books, personal or family papers, photos, or other media to donate to our collections?
The holdings of FSU Special Collections & Archives are immensely strengthened through the generous contributions of alumni, faculty, and friends. We will forward your inquiry to the appropriate contact. We request that you do not bring materials to the library without having first communicated with us.
Are you seeking appraisal of items in your personal collection?
While we are excited to discuss the materials in your personal holdings, we do not provide appraisal services to our patrons. To find a certified appraiser, please consult the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America website, where you can view appraisers by region.
Additional Resources
Donating Your Personal Papers or Family Records to a Repository