In additional to serving as the institutional memory of the University of Rhode Island, University Archives and Special Collections collects and preserves unique, rare, and locally-relevant research materials that enhance the holdings of the University Libraries.
We hold diverse research materials including rare books, family and personal papers, manuscripts, oral histories, political papers, organizational records collections, and myriad sources for the study of local history. Our collections focus on the University of Rhode Island and on the social, cultural, economic, political, and religious life of Rhode Island. Subject strengths include government and politics, Rhode Island history, labor and unionization, small presses, and the textile industry.
We are best known as the home of the Commercial Pattern Archive and a repository for the papers of Rhode Island politicians.
