University of Nebraska at Omaha

collections: special collections.

The University Library's Special Collections is an area set apart from the library's main collection in order to preserve and protect rare, valuable, and fragile items, as well as archival materials and collections which, if separated, would lose their research value. Descriptions of the main collections in Special Collections are listed below.

Special Collections is available BY APPOINTMENT, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Because of their nature, Special Collections materials may by used only in the designated reading area, and may not be checked out. Photocopies may be made subject to the condition of the work in question, and copyright restrictions. To make an appointment or to obtain additional information, call (402) 554-2362 or (402) 554-2884.

Omaha Federal Writer's Project (W.P.A.) Papers

This collection consists of hundreds of files of information collected in the 1930's by the Omaha Federal Writer's Project of the Works Project Administration. These files contain a wealth of unpublished material on Omaha and the surrounding area, including research for the uncompleted Omaha City Guide, and valuable information on the history of local newspapers and ethnic groups.

Fine Arts Presses

Special Collections houses a large collection of fine arts press publications fromaround the United States. The most important of these are the Mary L. Richmond Cummington Press Collection and UNO's own Abattoir Editions.

Nebraska Authors and Literature

Special Collections has a number of first editions and autographed copies of books by Nebraska authors, but the most significant collections are those on Wright Morris, Weldon Kees, and Wayne C. Lee. In addition, Special Collections also houses archival collections correspondence, manuscripts, etc.) of Nebraska pulp fiction writer and newspaperman, Steven Anderton, and of the Steppenwolf poetry magazine edited by Philip Boatright.

Icarian Collection

The Icarian collection contains several hundred books formerly owned by a 19^th Century utopian community based near Corning, Iowa. The collection consists of books published from the early 1700's to the late 1800's, most of them in French. The collection is of historical and sociological value to scholars of utopian studies and also includes documents, books, and articles relating to the history of the Icarian community.

Other Collections and Materials

In addition to the collections described above, Special Collections houses a wide variety of materials in many subject area and formats, including Omaha and Nebraska history, pre-19^th century books, autographed books, rare first editions, the Mary Munchoff Music Collection, and the archives of the Omaha Theater Company for Young People (formerly the Emmy Gifford Children's Theater).