MSU Libraries Special Collections

MSU Libraries special collections reading room

About the Collection

The MSU Libraries Special Collections houses over 500,000 printed works and 4,000 linear feet of archival manuscript material. The comprehensive collections of North American and international comic books, cookery, and LGBTQ+ and gender studies was formally established in 1962 to build and preserve these unique and rare items.

Rare book exhibit at MSU Libraries

Additionally, Special Collections houses an extensive rare book collection that include early veterinary medicine, eighteenth century British history and culture, modern American literature, and natural history. The Russel B. Nye Popular Culture collection is one of the largest of its kind in the world, where the Radicalism Collection features extensive holdings on a wide range of left and right political, social, and economic viewpoints. Please consult the MSU Libraries special collections page for more information on our unique holdings.

Visiting and Using the Collection

The Special Collections Reading Room on the first floor of the MSU Main Library is open for all patrons during the following hours.

Fall and Spring Semester Hours

  • Monday – Tuesday, 11am – 7pm
  • Wednesday-Thursday, 10am – 7pm
  • Friday, 10am – 5pm
  • Sunday, 2pm – 7pm

 Summer Hours

  • Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm

Patrons are welcome to make an appointment by calling or emailing Special Collections, spc@msu.edu

Contact

  • Leslie Van Veen McRoberts, Head of Special Collections
  • Address: 366 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824
  • Phone: (517) 884-6471
  • Website: https://lib.msu.edu/spc/index/
  • College/Department Affiliation: MSU Libraries