The Rare Materials Collection contains materials requiring special handling and storage due to age, rarity, monetary value, physical format or condition, and in some cases, subject matter. Access to the Rare Materials Collection is restricted. Researchers are not allowed access to the Rare Materials storage areas--all materials must be requested individually and used under staff supervision. Borrowers must fill out a registration card and present some form of photo identification (University of Colorado ID, driver’s license, etc.) before special collections materials are retrieved for their use.

The Rare Materials Office can only accommodate one individual researcher or 2-3 people working together at one time. Larger groups can be accommodated with at least a week's advance notice.

Most of the rare books and journals are listed in Library Search. All materials published before 1876 are in the rare collection, as are items of high monetary value and items containing illustrations that might be vulnerable to theft. Rare books, journals, and photographs are available by appointment.

Published and unpublished materials about the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Fitzsimons Army Hospital, including their component parts and associated personnel, are in the Archives. Some of the Archives are listed in Library Search, and some of the materials are also available online via CU Anschutz Digital Collections.

To make an appointment to use rare books and journals, contact Yumin Jiang by email.

Rare materials may be photocopied, scanned, or photographed.

Exceptions to policies or procedures must be approved by the Library Director.

Click here to access the Rare Materials policy.

To request copies of images from our collections, click here to access the online request form.