Our Mission

The Special Collections Research Center sustains the Commonwealth's memory and serves as the essential bridge between past, present and future. By preserving materials documenting the social, cultural, economic and political history of Kentucky, the SCRC provides rich opportunities for students to expand their worldview and enhance their critical thinking skills. SCRC materials are used by scholars worldwide to advance original research and pioneer creative approaches to scholarship. Special Collections Research Center is home to UK Libraries' collection of rare books, Kentuckiana, the Archives, the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, the King Library Press, the Bert T. Combs Appalachian Collection, the John G. Heyburn II Initiative for Excellence in the Federal Judiciary, and the Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center.

SCRC collects, preserves, and provides access to materials documenting the social, cultural, economic, and political history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Materials are acquired regardless of format and include both primary and secondary sources; Kentuckiana is collected comprehensively. SCRC maintains the University Archives and records management program for all records generated by the University and serves as its archival repository for permanent records. SCRC advances and supports the research, teaching, and scholarship of the University and beyond by preserving and providing access to its holdings.

Associate Dean Deirdre A. Scaggs

Materials at the Special Collections Research Center do not circulate.

Please visit our Account Guide for SCRC Research Services for up-to-date information on re-opening procedures, scheduling IN PERSON appointments, requesting materials for IN PERSON use during an appointment, ordering digital copies of materials, and more.

Online requests for research materials, reproduction orders, and other services are provided through your online researcher account and in the Breckinridge Research Room.

For Online Research Options please see Doing Research

• African American Primary Resources in Special Collections
• Appalachia Special Collections
• Business, Industry, and Labor Special Collections
• Children's Book Collection in the Special Collections Research Center
• Civil Rights and Social Justice Special Collections
• Cookbooks and Cookery, Menus, Recipes, and Preserving Food - Special Collections Research Center
• Education Special Collections

• Environment and Natural Resources Special Collections
• Health and Medicine Special Collections
• Human Sexuality
• International Studies Special Collections
• Kentucky History Special Collections
• Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Collection in the Special Collections Research Center
• Complete list...

Special Collections Research Center is currently open for IN PERSON research by appointment, Monday through Friday. Digital copies are available upon request.

Contact Us by email

Please visit the SCRC staff directory for individual contact and program information.

Phone:

General Questions at the SCRC Front Desk: (859) 257-1742

Research and Reference Questions at the Breckinridge Research Room: (859) 257-8611

Mail:

Campus Mail Code: 0039

Mailing Address:
Special Collections Research Center
Margaret I. King Library
University of Kentucky Libraries
Lexington, KY 40506-0039

Delivery Address:
179 Funkhouser Drive
Margaret I. King Library
University of Kentucky Libraries
Lexington, KY 40506-0039

Fax: (859) 257-6311

Emergency Vehicle Response Location: 179 Funkhouser Drive