The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections houses print and manuscript documents, fine bindings, archives and artwork including, 8,000 volumes of Catholic Americana.  A large number of items have author inscriptions or derive from the personal libraries of distinguished American Catholics.  Many of the items in the collection were published between 1850 and 1990 documenting the history of the Catholic Church in North America.

Special Collections has also acquired one of the world’s most comprehensive library archives on the history and international development of natural methods of family planning.  Assembled by teachers, scientists and theologians who have collaborated since the publication of Humanae Vitae in 1968, the collection includes books and publications in over 30 languages and more than a thousand research papers.

Hours and location

Ave Maria University Special Collections is located on the second floor of the Canizaro Library.  Hours are by appointment.  Please contact Jennifer Nodes, Director of the Library at 239-348-4710 or the Reference Desk at 239-280-2557.  Email inquiries may be sent to jennifer.nodes@avemaria.edu or library@avemaria.edu.

Access

Ave Maria University Special Collections serves as the repository for unique and valuable materials requiring special protection.  Materials are non-circulating and may be consulted only in the reading room.  Patrons are required to register and present photo identification before using materials.

Personal items must be stored.  

No food or drink is allowed in the reading room.

Only pencils and paper may be used in the reading room.  

Laptops are permitted.

Photocopying

 Permission for photocopies must be obtained in advance.   Special Collections reserves the right to limit the number of copies made.

Digital camera use

Camera use by researchers occurs only by appointment and with departmental permission.

Copyright

The Department of Special Collections adheres to the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).  The Department will not fulfill duplication requests that, in its judgement, would either damage the materials or risk violation of copyright law.

News, Giving, And Recent Acquisitions

Special Collections welcomes gifts and encourages individuals to contact the department regarding the donation process.  Many of the most significant items in the collections are a result of donations which provide the resources to make Special Collections a vital center for research.

Giving to Rare Books and Special Collections http://www.avemaria.edu/donationpolicycanizaro/

For Questions or Comments please contact:

Jennifer Nodes

Director of the Library

jennifer.nodes@avemaria.edu