Databases and Online Lists
Digitized Collections
Special Collections Digital Collections: Selected digitized content from Special Collections’ holdings.
Online Databases about Special Collections’ Holdings
Library Catalog: Most of the materials in Special Collections, including manuscript collections and rare books, are indexed in the University of Arizona Library’s online catalog. The Library catalog can be searched by author, title, subject, keyword, and other terms. Once an initial search has been conducted, the “limit/sort” option can be used to narrow the search to materials located in Special Collections.
Arizona Archives Online: Searchable database of full-text finding aids (or guides) to manuscript collections at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Arizona State University. AAO’s simple search from the home page searches by keyword. The advanced search option allows searching by author, title, subject, keyword, or other terms as well as the option to limit by repository. Printer-friendly versions of all full-text guides are available using the “Print/No frames Version” link within the guide.
Online Lists about Special Collections’ Holdings
Manuscript Collections
Alphabetical List of Manuscript Collections: Here you will find a complete list of all the manuscript collections in Special Collections. This list is arranged alphabetically by creator of the collection, and provides collection call numbers, brief description of the content of the collection, and the physical size of the collection. Many collections have a more detailed guide (finding aid) that can be accessed by clicking on the collection title.
Arizona and Southwestern Biographical File: A listing of biographical sketches, clippings, and articles on various people from the late 19th century to the present. Individual files vary in content and size and do not contain photographs. Access to the material is through an index guide arranged alphabetically by surname. Single items on individuals will be found in the general folder under the first letter of the surname, while people with several items have their own folder. (note: This document opens as a PDF).
Arizona, Southwestern, and Miscellaneous Vertical File: A listing containing ephemera dealing with Arizona and the Southwest from the 19th century to the present. Much of the material relates to Tucson and the University of Arizona. This ephemera collection features various printed materials, including maps, pamphlets, brochures, and clippings. Access to the file is through a subject guide arranged alphabetically. (note: This document opens as a PDF).
University of Arizona Biographical File: A listing containing both photographs and printed materials of numerous UA faculty and staff, dating from 1867 to present. Individual files vary in content and size, containing biographical sketches, resumes, clippings and photographs. Since the photographs are interspersed throughout the collections, not every folder will have images. Access to the material is through an index guide arranged alphabetically by last name. Most individuals have their own folder, otherwise, the information will be found in the general folder under the first letter of the surname. (note: This document opens as a PDF).
Arizona, Southwestern, and Miscellaneous Photograph Collection: Contains photographs related mainly to Arizona and the Southwest. Arranged by subject and consisting of approximately 65,000 photos, the collection includes images documenting Tucson history, exploratory expiditions to the West in 1884-1885 and 1885-1886, and photos of Native American groups of the Southwest. Invidual files vary in size. (note: This document opens as a PDF).
University of Arizona Photograph Collection: Contains photographs of the University of Arizona from its inception. Arranged by subject. Individual files vary in size. (note: This document opens as a PDF).