Special materials was always a part of the University's library collections. The Special Collections Department began in 1968 as part of the Lisner Library. However, it was not until 1973, and the opening of the Gelman Library, that the University's special materials were housed together in proper storage and service areas. Before the construction of the Lisner Library in 1939, many of the collections' rare books and materials were stored in Columbian House. After the completion of Lisner, they were transferred to a large vault on the fourth floor of the new library. When the Special Collections Division was set up in the Gelman Library, many rare items, long ago packed away, were brought to light.
From the description of Special Collections Department, Gelman Library records, 1819-2005. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 712019368
