The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) is where you can access the library's rare and unique materials. SCRC and its collections are open to the GW community and the public. We work with students, faculty, visiting scholars, the public, and classes to support primary source research.

The Gelman Library building's HVAC system maintenance project will require closing the building for three consecutive summers (2024, 2025, and 2026). Special Collections will be closed for summer 2026 starting on May 1, 2026. Researchers who were planning to visit Special Collections during this time period should contact us as soon as possible to discuss options for your research.

Subject Guides

Guides to the collections organized by specific subjects. These guides contain both archival collections and rare books. 

Search Archives

Search and browse the database of our archival collections.

Digital Collections

Search collections that are available online.

Primary Collecting Areas

• DC History
• The I. Edward Kiev Judaica Collection
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters Labor History
• National Education Association Archive
• University Archives

Collection Development and Management

The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) acknowledges that our past policies and practices have caused harm. We are committing to projects that rectify these exclusionary descriptive practices and encourage more inclusivity in our collection building. Please see the Special Collections Research Center’s statement on equitable archival description and collection development practices. If you encounter harmful language within our finding aids or would like to send us feedback using the Remediation of Harmful Language menu choice, please contact us.

SCRC Collection Development Policies