Mission
The mission of Clemson University Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives (SCA) is to collect, arrange, preserve, and make accessible materials relating to the history of Clemson University and of South Carolina – including the Upstate region – that are of regional, state, national, and international importance. SCA inspires the work of the university and its students, staff, and faculty by cultivating knowledge, advancing research and discovery, and preserving the wider cultural heritage of the state. Our endeavors help create a dynamic environment where Clemson University and the broader community elevate their contributions to the regions, the state, and beyond.
Scope
SCA consciously builds distinctive collections based on the research needs and uses of current and future students, faculty, visiting researchers, alumni, Clemson University administrative units, as well as community members outside of the academy.
To continue building distinctive collections of long-term research value, we will identify and assess potential donations and we will appraise their historical and research value. Selecting and acquiring appropriate materials will be accomplished through the generosity of our donors and through select purchases when funding is available.
We aim to align our collections with Clemson Libraries strategic priorities as well as Clemson Elevate, the university’s strategic plan. Special Collections and Archives is truly grateful for the generosity of our donors who help us build collections from the past, for the future. Our materials support experiential learning, and they help build world-class research infrastructure.
This collection development framework will evolve and change over time in line with the research needs of our community, both internal and external to Clemson University.
Collections
Special Collections and Archives at Clemson University consists of University Archives, rare and special books, and manuscript collections. Materials within the collections consist of formats including, but not limited to, textual, cartographic, audio visual, photographic, artifacts, ephemera, digitized and born-digital records. Oral histories are also collected and fall within the scope of the collecting areas identified below.
Collecting Areas
We maintain ten collecting areas, six of which are designated as collecting priorities.
We welcome inquiries and offers from donors interested in contributing materials that align with these areas. Collecting priorities indicate those areas for which we are actively seeking to acquire additional materials.
For any questions regarding out collection development framework, contact Nick Richbell, head of special collections and archives at nrichbe@nullclemson.edu.