special collections | Blogs from Drexel University Libraries

Save Drexel History (and clean out your office)

08/19/10 - 08:00:58 AM - Rob Sieczkiewicz

As the institutional memory of Drexel, the Archives collects, preserves and makes accessible the records of the University. You'll sometimes find us here in Hagerty Library, but just as often we're in MacAlister or Curtis or Main, listening to faculty and staff tell us about what they do and the records they create. After one such meeting, a professor eloquently expressed the following sentiments:

"I have been wondering how I could preserve these bits of my office's history for... posterity. I had not thought of the Archives. Now, that's taken care of.

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Miniature Book Reception July 22, Online Exhibition now!

06/22/09 - 07:00:01 AM - Scott Ziegler

The current exhibition Many Littles Make a Much: A Selection of Miniature Books from Drexel University's Special Collection has been on display for a couple of weeks now, and has received a fair share of admiration.

A reception for the show is planned for July 22. Watch this space for more details.

In addition to the physical exhibition, an online version is now available.

On your next trip to the Lower-Level

06/18/09 - 07:00:05 AM - Scott Ziegler

Next time you swing by the Lower Level of Hagerty Library, be sure to check out the Drexel University's Special Collection exhibition: "Many Littles Make a Much" -- a collection of miniature books.

The exhibition cases have recently been moved to make room for the periodicals, now also located in the Lower Level. The exhibition is now along the north wall.

Be sure to pass by often to see new exhibitions as they happen!

For more information about the Special Collection, contact the University Archives.

New Exhibition: Many Littles Make a Much

05/22/09 - 07:00:32 AM - Scott Ziegler

“Many Littles Make a Much: A Selection of Miniature Books from Drexel University’s Special Collection" is Drexel University Archives' newest exhibition. All the books in this show measure three or fewer inches in any dimension, and represent a cross-section of the world of miniature books. The show spans books from practical mini-dictionaries on one end, to a conceptually-driven sculptural mini-book.

Exhibitions to Showcase Special Collections

05/21/09 - 07:00:11 AM - Scott Ziegler

In an effort to let the Drexel community and the public at large learn more about the treasures in the Drexel University Special Collections, we're gearing up for a number of exhibitions.

The exhibitions will feature materials that the staff think will be of wide appeal, and will be in the cases along the south wall in the lower level of Hagerty Library.

The first exhibition is being installed today - watch this space tomorrow for an announcement.

For more information about the schedule, to make suggestions for exhibitions or to just say hello, contact the Drexel University Archives at

Foundations of our Special Collections: George W. Childs

05/01/09 - 12:58:19 PM - Scott Ziegler

Part three of a three part series

The Foundations of our Special Collections: Anthony J. Drexel

04/24/09 - 07:00:14 AM - Scott Ziegler

Part two of a three part series

The core of Drexel University Libraries Special Collections consists of a several gifts of rare books donated to the Drexel Institute by Anthony J. Drexel, George W. Childs and George M. Standish.

Anthony J. Drexel, the founder of the university, envisioned an institute not only for practical training, but also for a wide appreciation of art and culture. From its inception the Institute hosted free public meetings on a wide range of topics, and included a museum of art and ancient artifacts.

The book collection donated by A.J.

The Foundations of our Special Collections: George M. Standish

04/16/09 - 07:00:31 AM - Scott Ziegler

Part one of a three part series

The core of Drexel University Libraries Special Collections consists of a several gifts of rare books donated to the Drexel Institute by Anthony J. Drexel, George W. Childs and George M. Standish.