Special Collections

The University Library's holdings include a number of Special Collections. Most of the Collections are accessible during the hours the Reference Desk is staffed, although some have limited access. The Collections are housed in the Library's Guggenheim Wing and are comprised of the following:

U.S. Government Documents

The Monmouth University Library participates in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), a national network of libraries receiving federal documents distributed by the Government Printing Office (GPO). Created and published by all U.S. government agencies, these publications may serve as primary documents in scholarly research and be a source of information for the general consumer. The most important and widely used documents can be located by searching the library's online catalog. The majority of the documents in paper and microfiche format are located on the ground floor in compact shelving. For assistance with locating U.S. documents, please see a Reference Librarian or visit the Library Government Documents Web page.

N.J. State Documents

The Monmouth University Library is part of a statewide network of libraries that receive New Jersey State Documents, the official publications of the State government; they cover a wide range of subject matter. The Library has been a Depository since 1968 and maintains a substantial retrospective collection. The Collection is located on the Lower Level in compact shelving and is for library use only. For assistance with locating N.J. State Documents, please see a Reference Librarian. To access information on N.J. State Documents from the Library Government Documents Web page, click on "N.J. Government."

New Jersey Collection

Juvenile Literature Collection

A collection of books for children from pre-school to senior high school age is located in the New Building on the first floor. This Collection is intended for use by students in the School of Education. Consult the Library catalog for holdings and call numbers. Juvenile books may be borrowed.

Lewis Mumford Collection

PLEASE NOTE: The Mumford Collection remains temporarily unavailable.

June 2, 2003

Due to the expansion and renovation work currently underway at the Monmouth University Library, the Lewis Mumford Collection is temporarily unavailable.

The safe custody of the Mumford Collection is of primary concern. In order to protect the Collection from dust, debris, and other construction-related harm, it has been carefully boxed and placed into storage.

We anticipate the Collection to return to its regular location after construction work ends. Access will continue to be governed by already established guidelines.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

In the meantime, please read the information below about the Mumford Collection and enjoy our Virtual Lewis Mumford Library.

The Lewis Mumford Collection at Monmouth University's Library constitutes the personal research library, which was housed at Mumford's home in Amenia, New York at the time of his death in 1990 at the age of 94.

Purchased from Mumford's widow by Monmouth University, the collection reflects his varied interests in technology, architecture, cities, and the human condition. Of particular interest to scholars, many of the books in this collection are annotated with Mumford's own reactions and reflections on what he read.

The Collection is housed in a separate room on the second floor of the Library. Bibliographic records of the collection's contents may be accessed via the Library's on-line catalog. A separate card file arranged by author is located in the room with the Collection.

Mumford Collection Policies and Procedures

Due to the unique nature of the materials, access to the Mumford Collection is by appointment only. Researchers are requested to phone the Special Collections Librarian to arrange a mutually convenient time to view the materials, which are for library use only.

The Collection is available to the following individuals:

• Monmouth students who present a letter from a Monmouth professor indicating that use of Mumford Collection materials is necessary for the student to complete a paper, project or thesis.
• A non-Monmouth person with academic credentials (i.e., a professor) from another institution who is researching Lewis Mumford.
• A student from another institution who is researching Lewis Mumford and presents a letter from his/her professor indicating that use of the Collection is necessary for the completion of the project.
• Monmouth University faculty, provided they make arrangements in advance.

Copies of all letters will be kept on file.

In order to preserve the integrity of the Collection, researchers are requested to view materials in designated areas only.

Notes may be taken with pencil, typewriter or computer only. No marking or writing in the books is permitted.

Care must be taken in the handling of fragile items. Researchers are requested to consult the library employee assisting them prior to copying any materials.

Mumford Collection materials may not be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.

Permission to publish any of the marginalia in the books of the Mumford Collection shall be secured from the Dean of the Guggenheim Memorial Library prior to publication.

Map Collection

This physical collection is closed until further notice. Database mentioned below is still available.
The Monmouth University Library maintains a small but interesting collection of maps.  The primary strength of the collection is eastern Monmouth County.  These maps are supplemented with other general, regional and topographic maps, mainly of New Jersey.  The maps vary from unique hand-drawn maps to mass-produced geological surveys.  A searchable database of the maps is available. Access to the map collection is through arrangement with a librarian. Please call the Reference Desk at 732.571.3438 for assistance.

University Archives

This collection is closed until further notice.
The University Archives serve as the depository for archival and other materials relating to the history of Monmouth University. The Collection includes: official university publications, news clippings, photographs, meeting minutes and ephemera. Individuals wishing to consult the Archives must make an appointment with the Special Collections Librarian.Archival materials are for library use only.

Vietnam Newspaper Project

An index and annotated bibliography to Vietnam War-related articles from The Outlook, the student newspaper for Monmouth University, has been compiled. To visit the site, click here.

DESA Oral History Project

This electronic archive was created to preserve and provide access to the personal stories, accounts and experiences of the destroyer escort veterans interviewed. The interviews were conducted by students in Professor Susan Douglass' Special Topics History Class HS298-01 in the fall of 2002.