Stellenbosch University Library Special Collections

Overview

The Special Collections division of the Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service (SU Library) is a unique repository dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, and provision of access to rare, valuable, and unique research materials. Located on the upper level of the Stellenbosch University Library (Jan Marais Square, corner of Victoria and Ryneveld Streets), Special Collections serves as a closed collection available to students, staff, and members of the public for on-site research.

History and Founding

The SU Library and Information Service has accumulated its Special Collections holdings over many years through bequests, donations, and purchases. The Rare Books section was established in the late 1960s, initially to safeguard valuable art books and other rare materials. The collection was significantly enriched when the university acquired the extensive library of Commander Michael Scott, who died in Cape Town on 1 January 1976, bringing in many first editions, leather-bound volumes, and rarities. The Manuscripts section grew alongside these acquisitions to become a major repository for South African personal and institutional archives.

Collections and Holdings

Special Collections comprises three main sections: Africana, Rare Books, and Manuscripts. Africana holds valuable books, pamphlets, maps, pictorial works, and other materials on sub-Saharan Africa, with particular focus on the political, economic, and social history of South Africa, the Western Cape, and the Stellenbosch district, spanning publications from 1600 to the present. Rare Books houses first editions, signed copies, and unique bindings of printed material dating from 1490 to the present across subjects including art, science, religion, history, literature, and popular culture. The Manuscripts section preserves more than 461 collections of individuals and organizations, covering music, architecture, art, literature, and the political, social, and economic history of South Africa. A fourth component, the Documentation Centre for Music (DOMUS), is located in the Music Library and holds nearly 70 collections of South African composers, performers, researchers, and music societies.

Access and Usage

Special Collections is open Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 16:30. As a closed collection, no materials may be borrowed. Researchers are requested to make an appointment by emailing SULIBSPES@sun.ac.za. Digital scanning is available for academic purposes. Finding aids and catalogues are available for all collections.