Currently all ULS libraries are closed, but if you have questions, please contact Ask Us or check our Library Collections & Services: Updates for Summer 2020 page for ways we can still help!

Archives & Special Collections

Archives & Special Collections (A&SC) is one of western Pennsylvania's largest repositories for manuscripts, rare books, photographs, microfilm, maps, audio visual materials, and more. We recently merged the departments of the Archives Service Center and Special Collections.

NOTE: As of June 22, the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Thomas Boulevard is now open by appointment only. Appointments are for Pitt affiliates only and require at least 48 hours advanced notice. The number of patrons and staff will be limited to maintain social distancing. Please note that all patrons must wear a self-provided mask and will be supplied with gloves. As part of the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all employees and visitors on campus, a self-attestation of symptoms must be completed for every day an individual comes to the campus for any reason and for any length of time. Contact us to request an appointment. One of our archivists will follow-up with you to schedule your appointment.

Search Digital Collections and Archival Finding Aids

Search both digitized material as well as finding aids for all of the ULS archival and manuscript holdings. A separate search on finding aids will provide you with background information and an inventory of the records found within our archival and manuscript collections.

Browse Our Digital Collections

Browse Our Finding Aids

Looking for information on hours, how to get here, doing research, and ordering reproductions? See our FAQ Page!

Collection Strengths

20th Century Urban Renewal
Audio-Visual Materials
American Schoolbooks
Business and Industry
Children’s Literature
Ethnic Groups in Pittsburgh
History of Books and Printing
Labor

A collection of over 100,000 digitized images, books, maps, artwork, manuscripts, atlases, ephemera, correspondence, and audio-video media.
The Erroll Garner Archive comprises a remarkable collection of correspondence, sheet music, memorabilia and audio recordings of jazz musician and pianist Erroll Garner.
The University Archives documents the history and traditions of the University of Pittsburgh community!
The Audubon Collection consists of a complete double elephant folio set (435 plates) of Audubon’s Birds of America and his Ornithological Biography.
Visual images from the 1900s-1970s commissioned by the Pittsburgh Department of Public Works