Visiting Special Collections
We are closed to drop-in visitors, but staff remain available to remotely support teaching, learning, and research activities. Please contact our librarians and archivists.
In-person access to Special Collections materials will be by appointment only and will require face masks and other protective measures. Appointments will only be granted to researchers who are allowed to return to campus.
To discuss your needs and available options, contact:
Christian Kelleher
Head of Special Collections
cdkelleher@uh.edu
Hours and location
Reading Room hours for the general public
(August 1 - August 7 )
Special Collections is located on the second floor of MD Anderson Library.
Our address
UH Libraries Special Collections
4333 University Drive
Houston, TX 77204-2000
Phone number
Special Collections Service Desk
713-743-9750
Reading Room policies
- All visitors using archival materials must complete and sign a Patron Registration Form. A valid photo ID is required
- Computers are welcome in the Reading Room, and electrical outlets and wi-fi are available
- Cameras are welcome in the Reading Room for the creation of images for private study and research only
- Lockers are available in our foyer area for visitors at no charge
- Only pencils may be used in the Reading Room. The staff can provide a pencil
- No books or notebooks are allowed except for those that are necessary for research
- The following must be stored in a locker:
- Purses and bags
- Camera and computer bags
- Coats and jackets not being worn
- No food or drink is allowed in the Reading Room
Out of town visitors
The closest airport to the University is Hobby Airport, which is located less than 10 miles south of campus. Hobby is served by 6 passenger airlines — AirTran, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest. Houston’s larger airport, George Bush Intercontinental, is located approximately 25 miles north of campus.
The Hilton University of Houston hotel is located on campus. This full-service teaching hotel is conveniently located near the library, the University Center, and the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.
Request materials in advance
We are happy to pull materials and have them ready upon your arrival. Please contact the appropriate librarian to make arrangements.
| Collecting Area | Contact |
|---|---|
| Architecture & Planning | Vince Lee velee@uh.edu 713-743-9753 |
| Contemporary Literature | Christian Kelleher cdkelleh@uh.edu 713-743-0346 |
| Energy & Sustainability | Christian Kelleher cdkelleh@uh.edu 713-743-0346 |
| Hispanic Collections | Christian Kelleher cdkelleh@uh.edu 713-743-0346 |
| Houston & Texas History | Vince Lee velee@uh.edu 713-743-9753 |
| Houston Hip Hop | Julie Grob jgrob@uh.edu 713-743-9744 |
| Houston History Archives | Christian Kelleher cdkelleh@uh.edu 713-743-0346 |
| KUHT Collection | Emily Vinson evinson@uh.edu 713-743-7696 |
| LGBT History | Vince Lee velee@uh.edu 713-743-9753 |
| Performing & Visual Arts | Mary Manning mmmanning@uh.edu 713-743-5893 |
| Rare Books | Julie Grob jgrob@uh.edu 713-743-9744 |
| University Archives | Mary Manning mmmanning@uh.edu 713-743-5893 |
| USS Houston & Military History | Christian Kelleher cdkelleh@uh.edu 713-743-0346 |
| Women’s Collection | Vince Lee velee@uh.edu 713-743-9753 |