Archives & Special Collections Home
At Western, the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Special Collections, and University Archives work together to document the history and culture of Western, the region, and the world. Together, our collections help researchers understand how things used to be, how they have changed, and how different generations and cultures have approached life and developed various worldviews. Western Libraries' Archives & Special Collections are open to all.
Collections & Research
Our collections include a wide variety of historical primary source material, such as rare books and manuscripts, letters and diaries, photographs and newspapers, oral histories, and more.
Teaching & Learning
Primary sources can enhance instruction in a variety of subjects. We offer a range of customizable options for using rare and archival materials in your classes and assignments.
Events & Exhibits
Lectures, panel presentations, in-person and online exhibits, and other public programming are among the ways we seek to highlight our collections and collections-based scholarship.
Finding Materials
OneSearch
- Find rare books, summaries of archival collections, and other Archives & Special Collections materials in Western Libraries' catalog.
Collection Guides
Collection guides, also known as finding aids, describe the contents of archival collections and provide basic background information. Many also contain a list of what is in each folder or box.
Search Archives West to find detailed guides to archival collections at Western
- Collection guides are also discoverable in OneSearch
Digital Content
- MABEL: Multimedia Archives Based Electronic Library
- CPNWS Photograph Collections
- CPNWS Map Collections
- Digital Exhibits
Subject Research Guides
Subject guides are another handy research tool for locating primary sources. They list a variety of recommended resources related to various topics covered by Western's Archives & Special Collections holdings.
Browse lists of our resources organized by subject
Access and Use of Collections
About Harmful Language and Content
We acknowledge that problematic content exists in the material we collect and we welcome respectful dialogue with those who may be harmed or impacted.
Access our full Statement About Potentially Harmful Language and Content
A&SC Newsletter
The Winter 2025 edition of The Primary Source features recent co-curricular and campus/community partnerships including an ongoing exhibit highlighting new acquisitions that support teaching and learning, as well as a collaborative event celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month.
Giving to Archives & Special Collections
We accept donations of financial gifts and collection materials. Your contribution enables us to develop, preserve, and promote discovery of world-class collections documenting the culture and history of Western, our community, state, region, and world. For more information about the impact your donation will have, please contact Elizabeth Joffrion, Director of Archives & Special Collections (phone: (360) 650-3823 | email: Elizabeth.Joffrion@wwu.edu).
We are always grateful for monetary gifts that enable us to develop, manage, and preserve our collections more effectively. Financial donations can be made via this ONLINE PLEDGE FORM or by sending a check to the Western Foundation.
We also welcome inquiries about potential donation(s) of materials that are suitable for our various collections. For more information on donating items or collections, please contact Elizabeth Joffrion, Director of Archives & Special Collections (phone: 360-650-3283 | email: Elizabeth.Joffrion@wwu.edu).
EXPLORE WESTERN LIBRARIES' DIGITAL COLLECTIONS
Access historical photographs, oral history interviews, campus publications, student newspapers, and more!
Locations
Wilson Library Building
Special Collections is located on the 6th floor of the Wilson Library building, located at 516 High St. on the north end of campus. The Wilson building sits at the corner the Old Main lawn and Red Square.
Goltz-Murray Archives Building
University Archives & Records Management and the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies are located at 808 25th St., at the corner of Bill McDonald Parkway and 25th St., on the south end of the Western Washington University campus.
Archives Building Parking
Free archives visitor parking is available in Lot 33G (across from main entrance), marked by signs on the north side of the lot.
Contact Us
Archives & Special Collections
Email: archives.speccoll@wwu.edu
Phone: (360) 650-7534
Director
Elizabeth Joffrion
Director of Archives & Special Collections Elizabeth.Joffrion@wwu.edu; (360) 650-3283 ; Wilson Library 673 Personnel
Roz Koester, she/her
Assistant Archivist for Outreach and Instruction koester@wwu.edu; (360) 650-6621 ; Wilson 662
David Schlitt, he/him
Special Collections Manager schlitd@wwu.edu; 360-650-3193 ; Wilson Library 675
Katie Stacy, she/her
Assistant University Archivist for Records Management and User Services stacyk@wwu.edu; (360) 650-2092 ; AB102
Ruth Steele, she/her
Archivist, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies steeler@wwu.edu; 360-650-7747 ; AB225
Michael Taylor
Special Collections Librarian and Associate Professor taylo213@wwu.edu; (360) 650-3097 ; Wilson Library 674Visit Us
Visit our individual unit pages or contact us to find out more about specific research hours or to make an appointment. If you're not sure which unit to contact, you may email archives.speccoll@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-7534. Questions are welcome any time.
Learn more about working with Archives & Special Collections