Rare Books Marriott Library

<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en"> <head><meta charset="UTF-8"><title>Rare Books Marriott Library</title>  <meta name="keywords" content="rare, books, collection, collections, manuscripts, online, digital, paper, print, exhibition, pamphlets, special"/> <meta name="description" content="The Rare Books Collection at the J. Willard Marriott Library houses books, maps and ephemera documenting the record of human communication from clay tablet to artists' book. "/> <meta name="breadcrumb" content="Rare Books"/>  <meta name="robots" content="index, follow"/> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"/> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico"/> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" href="/templates/img/apple-touch-icon.png"/> <link href="/templates/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet"/> <link href="/templates/css/marriott.css?v=3" rel="stylesheet"/> <link rel="preload" href="/templates/css/fontawesome-all.css" as="style" onload="this.onload=null;this.rel='stylesheet'"/> <noscript> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/templates/css/fontawesome-all.css"/> </noscript> <link rel="preload" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Encode+Sans+Condensed:300,400,500,600,700,800,900" as="style" onload="this.onload=null;this.rel='stylesheet'"/> <noscript> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Encode+Sans+Condensed:300,400,500,600,700,800,900"/> </noscript> <link rel="preload" href="/templates/css/flexslider.css" as="style" onload="this.onload=null;this.rel='stylesheet'"/> <noscript> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/templates/css/flexslider.css"/> </noscript> <script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.6.4.min.js" integrity="sha256-oP6HI9z1XaZNBrJURtCoUT5SUnxFr8s3BzRl+cbzUq8=" crossorigin="anonymous"> </script> <script src="/templates/js/bootstrap.bundle.min.js"> </script>  <style>.flexslider {margin-bottom: 0;}.flex-control-thumbs li {width: 20%;}</style>  <script> (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-25376102-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _paq = window._paq = window._paq || []; /* tracker methods like "setCustomDimension" should be called before "trackPageView" */ _paq.push(["setCookieDomain", "*.lib.utah.edu"]); _paq.push(['trackPageView']); _paq.push(['enableLinkTracking']); (function() { var u="https://analytics.lib.utah.edu/"; _paq.push(['setTrackerUrl', u+'matomo.php']); _paq.push(['setSiteId', '36']); var d=document, g=d.createElement('script'), s=d.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; g.async=true; g.src=u+'matomo.js'; s.parentNode.insertBefore(g,s); })(); </script> <script>// var page_id="https://lib.utah.edu/collections/rarebooks/index.php"; </script> </head> <body> <header><a id="skip" class="sr-only sr-only-focusable" href="#content">Skip to main content</a>    <div id="subhead"> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-9"> <ul class="nav"> <li class="nav-item ml-hours-mobile d-block d-sm-none"><a class="nav-link" role="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#quick-hours" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="quick-hours"> <em class="far fa-clock"></em> <span>Hours & Access</span><span class="sr-only">Show Hours Toggle</span></a></li> <li class="nav-item ml-chat"><a class="nav-link" role="button" href="#" onclick="window.open('https://libraryh3lp.com/chat/mlibs-queue@chat.libraryh3lp.com?skin=27584', 'AskUs', 'resizable=1,width=500,height=300'); return false;"><em class="far fa-comments"></em> Chat</a></li> <li class="nav-item ml-phone"><a class="nav-link" href="tel:801-581-8558"> 801-581-8558</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-3"> <ul class="nav justify-content-end"> <li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" role="button" href="#" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Log in </a> <div class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu-right"><a class="dropdown-item" href="https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/account?vid=UTAH&section=overview&lang=en_US">Library Account</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://login.ezproxy.lib.utah.edu/login?url=http://lib.utah.edu.ezproxy.lib.utah.edu/">Off Campus Access</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://scheduling.tools.lib.utah.edu/">Library Scheduling</a> <div class="dropdown-divider"> </div> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/info/policies.php">Library Access Policy</a></div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div id="Mnav"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-light"><a class="navbar-brand" href="/"><img src="/templates/img/marriott-library-logo.png" alt="Marriott Library Logo" width="302" height="45" /></a> <button class="navbar-toggler" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#ml-main-navbar" aria-controls="ml-main-navbar" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle navigation"> <span class="navbar-toggler-icon"></span> </button>  <button class="btn nav-search-btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#main-search" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="main-search"><span class="sr-only">Search Area Toggle</span></button> <button class="btn nav-hours-btn d-none d-sm-block d-md-block d-xl-block collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#quick-hours" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="quick-hours"> <em class="far fa-clock"></em> <span>Hours</span><span class="sr-only">Show Hours Toggle</span></button>  <div id="ml-main-navbar" class="collapse navbar-collapse"> <ul class="navbar-nav"> <li class="nav-item dropdown megamenu-li"><a id="research-menu" class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="/includes/" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Research</a> <div class="dropdown-menu megamenu" aria-labelledby="research-menu"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <h5>Research Support</h5> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://databases.tools.lib.utah.edu/">Databases A-Z <span>Full access to databases licensed by the University of Utah.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="http://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/index.php?b=s">Research Guides <span>Guides by subject aimed to assist in specific research areas.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/jsearch?vid=UTAH&lang=en_US">Online Journals <span>Search peer-reviewed academic and scholarly journals.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/research/copyright.php">Copyright and Fair Use <span>Understand and abide by the copyright law of the United States.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="/collections/subject-specialists.php">Subject Specialists <span>Individuals who may be consulted in their areas of expertise.</span></a> <a class="btn btn-block btn-secondary" href="/research/" role="button">More Research Support</a></div> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <h5>Unique Collections</h5> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://collections.lib.utah.edu/">Digital Library <span>Historical digital photographs, newspapers, maps, books, audio, & other items.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/collections/special-collections/index.php">Special Collections <span>Enrich your understanding of the world with our vast special collections and archives.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/collections/middle-east/">Middle East Library <span>A major center for research in Middle East studies</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/collections/rarebooks/">Rare Books <span>More than 80,000 books, maps, ephemera, and realia documenting the record of human communication.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="/collections/gov-docs.php">Government Documents <span>Congressionally designed depository for U.S. Government documents</span></a><a class="btn btn-block btn-secondary" href="/collections/" role="button">All Collections</a></div> </div> </div> </li>   <li class="nav-item dropdown megamenu-li"><a id="services-menu" class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="/includes/" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Services</a> <div class="dropdown-menu megamenu" aria-labelledby="services-menu"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <h5>Technology & Spaces</h5> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/knowledge-commons/">Knowledge Commons <span>Computers, software, print/copy/scan, research & technology assistance, & more.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/spaces/">Study Spaces <span>Find & schedule a variety of study, group, and collaborative spaces.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/collections/book-arts/">Book Arts Studio<span>A fully equipped book arts studio; with modern and traditional and bookmaking equipment.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/spaces/family-reading-room.php">Family Reading Room <span>A room for student parents/guardians accompanied by young children</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="https://writingcenter.utah.edu/">Writing Center <span>Become a more confident writer with individual peer tutor consultations</span></a> <a class="btn btn-block btn-secondary" href="/spaces/" role="button">All Spaces</a></div> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <h5>Services for...</h5> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/borrowing.php">Borrowing & Renewals <span>Services and information to request, renew, recall, & suggest purchases.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/education/index.php">Graduate and Undergraduates<span>Consult with a team dedicated to providing information and support to graduates and undergraduates.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/education/instructors.php">Faculty & Instructors <span>Research, scholarly communication, & teaching support needs of faculty & staff.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/creativity-innovation.php">Creativity & Innovation <span>Services for arts & design, multimedia, 3D & prototyping technologies, and more. </span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="/services/alumni.php">Alumni & Visitors <span>Permits, guest passes, and policies for alumni, independent researches, etc.</span></a> <a class="btn btn-block btn-secondary" href="/services/" role="button">All Services</a></div> </div> </div> </li>   <li class="nav-item dropdown megamenu-li"><a id="about-menu" class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="/includes/" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">About</a> <div class="dropdown-menu megamenu" aria-labelledby="about-menu"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <div class="no-heading-space"></div> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/info/news.php">News & Events <span>Current news, events, and press releases from the J. Willard Marriott Library</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/info/hours.php">Hours <span>Our hours and holiday closings.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/info/directions.php">Directions & Parking <span>Google map with directions from off campus to the Marriott Library and parking information.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/spaces/">Spaces <span>Building, spaces, and room information.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="/info/policies.php">Policies, Use, and Security <span>Public policies and security information.</span></a></div> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <div class="no-heading-space"></div> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/info/">General Information <span>Our vision and mission, strategic plan, history, and friends.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/collections/">Collections<span>Extensive special, print, and digital collections which serve as vital extensions of teaching & research facilities.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="/give.php">Giving Opportunities <span>Donations to the Library and an explanation of our campaign priorities.</span></a> <a class="btn btn-block btn-secondary" href="/info/" role="button">More about the Marriott Library</a></div> </div> </div> </li>   <li class="nav-item dropdown megamenu-li"><a id="askus-menu" class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="/includes/" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Ask Us</a> <div class="dropdown-menu megamenu" aria-labelledby="askus-menu"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <div class="no-heading-space"></div> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/help/">Contact Us / Get Help <span>Assistance through a number of methods to suit your schedule & preferences.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/events-scheduling/">Book Events & Scheduling <span>Let us host your next event or reserve space in the library for teaching.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/suggest-a-purchase.php">Suggest a Purchase <span>Suggest books, audio-visual materials, relevant curriculum, & research resources.</span></a>  <a class="dropdown-item" href="/info/lost-found.php">Lost & Found <span>Located at the Level 1 Circulation, Information, and Library Information Desk near the West Entrance. </span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="/services/guest-passes.php">Guest Passes <span>How to get a guest pass and their policies & requirements</span></a></div> <div class="col-6 megamenu-col"> <h5>Teaching & Consulting</h5> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/knowledge-commons/">Computer Questions <span>A variety of technology assistance from friendly staff & faculty.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="/services/research-consultation.php">Research Consultations <span>In-depth research consultations in a specific research assignment, topic, or thesis.</span></a> <a class="dropdown-item last" href="https://forms.lib.utah.edu/request-librarian/">Invite a Librarian to Teach <span>Have a Librarian teach or speak on a variety of topics.</span></a> <a class="btn btn-block btn-secondary" onclick="window.open('https://libraryh3lp.com/chat/mlibs-queue@chat.libraryh3lp.com?skin=27584', 'AskUs', 'resizable=1,width=500,height=300'); return false;" href="#" role="button"><em class="far fa-comments"></em> Live Chat</a></div> </div> </div> </li>  </ul> </div> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="todays-hours collapse" id="quick-hours"> <div class="container">  <ul class="ml-hours-items"> <li class="ml-hours-item"> <h3><span>UCard Access</span></h3> <div class="ml-featured-hours"> <em class="far fa-clock"></em> <span class="ml-featured-hours-status">Today</span> <span class="ml-featured-hours-time" id="ucard-access-hour"> - </span> </div> <div class="quick-info" style="display: none;"> <small> Patrons with active UCards. <a href="/info/policies.php"> Library Policies</a> </small> </div> </li> <li class="ml-hours-item"> <h3><span>Public Access</span></h3> <div class="ml-featured-hours"> <em class="far fa-clock"></em> <span class="ml-featured-hours-status">Today</span> <span class="ml-featured-hours-time" id="public-access-hour"> - </span> </div> <div class="quick-info" style="display: none;"> <small> Open to visitors. <a href="/services/guest-passes.php">Guest Pass Policy</a> </small> </div> </li> <li class="ml-hours-item"> <h3 style="display: none;" class="ml_hours_all"><span>see all hours</span></h3> <div class="ml-featured-hours see-more"> <em class="far fa-clock"></em> <span class="hl__featured-libraries__more-link"> <a href="/info/hours.php" class="" #title="See more library hours"><span>View hours for all Library departments & events</span></a> </span> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="main-search collapse" id="main-search"> <div class="container"> <div class="row "> <div class="col-12"> <div class="homesearch-container"><div class="searchbox"><form role="search" aria-label="Main Search"> <div class="form-row"> <div class="col"> <label class="sr-only" for="marriottFederatedSearch">Search Marriott Library Resources</label> <div class="input-group"> <div class="input-group-prepend">  </div> <input id="marriottFederatedSearch" class="form-control form-control-lg" name="search" type="text" value="" placeholder="Search..." /></div> </div> <div class="col-auto search-options-container"><select id="SearchOptions" class="form-control form-control-lg search-options" aria-label="main search source selector"> <option value="all">Everything</option> <option value="us">USearch Catalog</option> <option value="w">Website</option> <option value="lg">Subject Guides</option> <option value="dl">Digital Library</option> </select></div> <div class="col-auto"><button class="btn btn-search btn-lg" tabindex="0" aria-label="search" onclick="Teleport(); return false;"><em class="fas fa-search" aria-hidden="true"></em><span class="sr-only">Search Button</span></button></div> <div id="SearchOptions" class="col-12 search-options-radio d-none"> <div class="form-check form-check-inline"> <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="search-opttions" id="search-us" value="us" checked="checked"> <label class="form-check-label" for="search-us">Catalog</label> </div> <div class="form-check form-check-inline"> <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="search-opttions" id="search-bo" value="bo"> <label class="form-check-label" for="search-bo">Books</label> </div> <div class="form-check form-check-inline"> <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="search-opttions" id="search-w" value="w"> <label class="form-check-label" for="search-w">Library Website</label> </div> <div class="form-check form-check-inline"> <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="search-opttions" id="search-lg" value="lg"> <label class="form-check-label" for="search-lg">Subject Guides</label> </div> <div class="form-check form-check-inline"> <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="search-opttions" id="search-dl" value="dl"> <label class="form-check-label" for="search-dl">Digital Library</label> </div> <div class="form-check form-check-inline"> <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="search-opttions" id="search-all" value="all" > <label class="form-check-label" for="search-all">All</label> </div> </div> </div> </form></div> <div class="one-search-welcome"><a class="float-right advanced-search" href="https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/search?vid=UTAH&mode=advanced">Advanced Catalog Search</a> <h2>Success Starts Here</h2> <p>Your gateway to the <a href="https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/search?vid=UTAH">Library Catalog</a>, <a href="https://collections.lib.utah.edu">Digital Items</a>, <a href="https://gcse.search.utah.edu/index.php?site=Look-only-in-marriott-library-main-website&gcse_action=site_search">Library Website search results</a>, and more simultaneously!</p> </div> <div class="buttons-flex-links"><a class="button content-button" href="/collections/">Collections</a> <a class="button content-button" href="https://databases.tools.lib.utah.edu/">Databases</a> <a class="button content-button" href="https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/jsearch?vid=UTAH&lang=en_US">Online Journals</a> <a class="button content-button" href="http://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/index.php?b=s">Research Guides</a></div> <p> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ //Takes you to the correct search depending on what area you select to search on the dropdown. function Teleport() { var searchArea = document.getElementById("SearchOptions").value; var searchString = document.getElementById("marriottFederatedSearch").value; var location = ""; switch (searchArea) { case "all": location = "http://lib.utah.edu/discover/?search=" + encodeURIComponent(searchString) + "#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q="+ encodeURIComponent(searchString) +"&gsc.sort=&gsc.sort=&gsc.site=Look-only-in-marriott-library-main-website"; break; case "us": location = "https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/search?query=any,contains," + searchString + "&tab=everything&search_scope=EVERYTHING&vid=UTAH&offset=0"; break; case "cr": location = "https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/search?query=any,contains," + searchString + "&tab=uuu_alma_cr_restricted&search_scope=UUU_ALMA_CR_RESTRICTED&vid=UTAH&offset=0"; break; case "lg": location = "http://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/srch.php?q=" + searchString; break; case "dl": location = "https://collections.lib.utah.edu/search?q=" + searchString; break; case "w": location = "https://gcse.search.utah.edu/index.php?q=" + searchString + "&site=Look-only-in-marriott-library-main-website&gcse_action=site_search"; break; } window.location.href = location; } // ]]></script> </p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ml-breadcrumb"> <div class="container"> <ul class="breadcrumb"> <li class="firstitem"> <a href="/"> Home </a> </li> <li class="icon-angle-double-right"> <a href="/collections/">Collections</a> </li> <li class="icon-angle-double-right"> <a href="/collections/rarebooks/">Rare Books</a> </li> <li class="icon-angle-double-right">Rare Books</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="container" id="content"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-lg-auto leftNav"> <div class="navbar-expand-lg">  <div class="collapse navbar-collapse" id="lefNav"> <ul class="nav flex-column"> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/special-collections/index.php">Special Collections</a> <ul> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/book-arts/">Book Arts Program</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/manuscripts/">Manuscripts</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/multimedia/index.php">Multimedia</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/western-americana/index.php">Print and Journal</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/rarebooks/">Rare Books</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/red-butte-press/">Red Butte Press</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/archives.php">University Archives Records Management</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="https://exhibits.lib.utah.edu/s/ski-archives/page/welcome">Ski and Snow Sports Archive</a> </li> <li class="navItem"> <a href="/collections/university-of-utah-web-archive.php">University of Utah Web Archive</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div>  </div> </div> <div class="col-lg main-content">  <p> <div class="flexslider" role="tablist"> <ul class="slides"> <li data-thumb="https://lib.utah.edu/img/Carousel_Utah%20Statehood.jpg" role="tabpanel" tabindex="0"> <a href="https://blog.lib.utah.edu/32954-2/"> <img src="https://lib.utah.edu/img/Carousel_Utah%20Statehood.jpg" alt="Feature image of A Hymn for Women’s Rights, Statehood, and Polygamy : An Open Book Blog Post"/> </a> </li> <li data-thumb="https://lib.utah.edu/img/DC354-Z65-1904-carousel.jpg" role="tabpanel" tabindex="0"> <a href="https://blog.lib.utah.edu/book-of-the-week-jaccuse/"> <img src="https://lib.utah.edu/img/DC354-Z65-1904-carousel.jpg" alt="Feature image of Book of the Week — J’Accuse…! An Open Book Blog Post"/> </a> </li> <li data-thumb="https://lib.utah.edu/img/YIR-Carousel.jpg" role="tabpanel" tabindex="0"> <a href="https://blog.lib.utah.edu/2024-one-for-the-books/"> <img src="https://lib.utah.edu/img/YIR-Carousel.jpg" alt="Feature image of 2024 : One for the Books! "/> </a> </li> <li data-thumb="https://lib.utah.edu/img/N7433.4-B868-L37-2013-Carousel.jpg" role="tabpanel" tabindex="0"> <a href="https://blog.lib.utah.edu/in-memoriam-michele-burgess-1960-2024/"> <img src="https://lib.utah.edu/img/N7433.4-B868-L37-2013-Carousel.jpg" alt="Feature image of In Memoriam: Michele Burgess (1960-2024): An Open Book Blog Post"/> </a> </li> <li data-thumb="https://lib.utah.edu/img/N7433.4-E22-L6-2010-Carousel.jpg" role="tabpanel" tabindex="0"> <a href="https://blog.lib.utah.edu/we-recommend-the-legacy-of-sacajawea/"> <img src="https://lib.utah.edu/img/N7433.4-E22-L6-2010-Carousel.jpg" alt="Feature image of We Recommend — The Legacy of Sacajawea: An Open Book Blog Post"/> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </p> <h1 style="text-align: center;">THE RARE BOOKS COLLECTION</h1> <p style="text-align: justify;">The origins of the rare books collection at the J. Willard Marriott Library can be traced back to the mid-nineteenth century, with the founding of both the University of Deseret and the Utah Territorial Library, and the donation of some 3,000 volumes from the personal library of University of Utah President, John R. Park. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As the early collection consisted mainly of books on Utah and the Mormons, these materials were put together and set aside in a special room called the Utah Room, or Treasure Room. Other gifts and donations came in gradually and by 1965, the rare books collection numbered almost 30,000 bound volumes. Thanks to University funding and generous gifts, the rare books collection has continued to grow over the last five decades.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">While the criteria which determines <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1kQS5LZaSM"> <strong>what makes a book rare</strong> </a> can vary, some of the most important qualities include age, scarcity, print history, and provenance – in addition to considerations placed on historic, cultural, and aesthetic value. Today, the rare books collection has a holdings of more than 80,000 items, comprised of books, maps, ephemera, and realia documenting the record of human communication: from four-thousand-year-old Sumerian clay tablets to twenty-first century artists' book.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The strengths of the rare books collection include the history of science, religion, and printing, materials that highlight overland exploration and the American West, limited editions of fine press and artists’ books, manuscript facsimiles from Medieval Europe and Mesoamerica, and one of the nation’s largest Middle East collections. By actively collecting and digitizing material of historical and aesthetic importance, the Rare Books Department preserves a heritage of thought, artistic endeavor, and innovation that inspires the human spirit today.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Rare Books Department provides reference, research and educational access to local, regional and international communities – strengthening the ability of faculty to teach, students to learn, and communities to find common denominators. Without a doubt, the rare books at the J. Willard Marriott Library are <em>special</em>, and while a certain set of criteria might make a book rare, the true value of a book should not be determined by a price tag. Books are important to our understanding of history, and to ensure that our history reflects all kinds of voices, the Rare Books Department continues to collect books and tell their stories.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">HOLDING HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS</h2> <hr/> <p> <img src="/img/Paradise-lost-sRGB2.jpg" alt="Holding History - Paradise Lost" width="1000" height="666"/> </p>  </div> <div class="col-lg-3">  <h4 class="short_headline">Contact</h4> <p> <a href="mailto:lyuba.basin@utah.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>Lyuba Basin</strong> </a> <br/>Rare Books Librarian<br/> <em class="fas fa-phone" aria-hidden="true"></em> 801-585-6168<br/> <a href="mailto:lyuba.basin@utah.edu"> <em class="fas fa-envelope" aria-hidden="true"></em> Email</a> </p> <p> </p> <h4 class="short_headline">Hours</h4> <p style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Monday through Thursday</strong> <br/> <strong>10:00 am to 4:00 pm</strong> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Special Collections Reading Room is currently open by appointment only. Appointments must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> <strong> <a href="https://forms.lib.utah.edu/special-collections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MAKE AN APPOINTMENT</a> </strong> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <h4 class="short_headline">Digital Resources</h4> <p> <a href="/collections/rarebooks/exhibits/past/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital Exhibitions</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://blog.lib.utah.edu/open-book/">Open Book Newsletter</a> </p> <p> <a href="/collections/rarebooks/VirtualLectures.php">Virtual Lectures</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://collections.lib.utah.edu/search?facet_setname_s=uum_rbc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rare Books Digital Library</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://utah-primoprod.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/collectionDiscovery?vid=UTAH&collectionId=81569060940002001">Incunabula</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://collections.lib.utah.edu/search?facet_setname_s=uum_appp">Arabic Papyrus, Parchment & Paper </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://oab.lib.utah.edu/">Opening Artists' Books</a> </p> <p> </p> <h4 class="short_headline">Use Guidelines</h4> <p> <a href="/pdf/rare-books/ReproductionRequest_2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reproduction Request Form</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://forms.lib.utah.edu/special-collections-use-agreement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Use Agreement</a> </p> <p> <a href="/collections/special-collections/draft-copyright%20guidelines.php">Copyright Guidelines</a> </p> <p> </p> <h4 class="short_headline">Donation Inquiries</h4> <p> <a href="/collections/rarebooks/collection-development.php">Collection Development</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://forms.lib.utah.edu/special-collection-donation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donations of Materials & Collections</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://ugive.app.utah.edu/designation/214" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Other Donations</a> </p>  </div> </div> <div class="spacer-32"> </div> </div>   <footer> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col"><img src="/templates/img/marriottLibrary-logo-footer.png" alt="Marriott Library Logo" /></div> </div> <div class="row footer-4-col"> <div class="col-md-3"> <p class="address"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps?q=marriott+library&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj96fDBqr_jAhUGilQKHcJrCb4Q_AUIESgB"> 295 S 1500 E <br />SLC UT 84112-0860 </a></p> <p><a href="https://forms.lib.utah.edu/ask-the-library/"><em class="fas fa-envelope"></em> Contact Us </a></p> <p><em class="fas fa-phone"></em> 801.581.8558</p> <div class="spacer-32"> </div> <p><a href="https://intranet.lib.utah.edu"> Staff Intranet</a></p> <p style="margin-top: 15px;"><em class="fas fa-edit"></em><span id="directedit"></span></p> </div> <div class="col-md-3"> <h3>J. Willard Marriott Library</h3> <hr /> <ul> <li><a href="/info/hours.php">Hours</a></li> <li><a href="/info/library-maps.php">Library Floor Maps</a></li> <li><a href="/info/departments.php">Library Departments</a></li> <li><a href="https://staffdirectory.tools.lib.utah.edu/">Staff Directory</a></li> <li><a href="/jobs.php">Jobs</a></li> <li><a href="/info/news.php">News & Events</a></li> <li><a href="https://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/govt_info">FDLP Depository Information</a></li> <li><a href="http://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/patents">Patent & Trademark Resource Center</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-3"> <h3>Information for...</h3> <hr /> <ul> <li><a href="/services/alumni.php">Alumni & Friends</a></li> <li><a href="/services/distance-students/">Distance Learners</a></li> <li><a href="/services/education/instructors.php">Faculty</a></li> <li><a href="/services/education/">Undergraduates</a></li> <li><a href="/services/education/gradstudents.php">Graduates</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-3"> <h3>Connect</h3> <hr /> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/marriottlibrary/"><em class="fab fa-facebook-square"></em> Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="http://twitter.com/MarriottLibrary"><em class="fa-brands fa-square-x-twitter"></em> X Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="http://instagram.com/marriottlibrary"><em class="fab fa-instagram"></em> Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/marriottlibrary.bsky.social"><em class="fa-brands fa-square-bluesky"></em> Bluesky</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MarriottLibrary"><em class="fab fa-youtube-square"></em> YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://blog.lib.utah.edu/"><em class="fas fa-rss-square"></em> Library Blog</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27208842%40N04/"><em class="fab fa-flickr"></em> Flickr</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@marriottlibrary?lang=en"><em class="fa-brands fa-tiktok"></em> TikTok</a></li> <li style="margin-top: 15px;"><a class="btn btn-outline-light btn-sm" href="/give.php"><em class="far fa-heart"></em> Donate to the Marriott Library</a></li> <li style="margin-top: 15px;"><a href="https://forms.lib.utah.edu/website-feedback/">Website Feedback</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="row sub-footer"> <div class="col-md-4"> <p>Copyright © J. Willard Marriott Library. All rights reserved.</p> </div> <div class="col-md-8"> <ul class="nav justify-content-end"> <li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="http://www.utah.edu/privacy">Privacy</a>/</li> <li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/">Nondiscrimination & Accessibility</a>/</li> <li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="https://president.utah.edu/indigenous-land-acknowledgment/">Land Acknowledgment</a>/</li> <li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="https://safeu.utah.edu/">Safe U</a>/</li> <li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="http://www.utah.edu/disclaimer">Disclaimer</a>/</li> <li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="/info/policies.php">Policies</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </footer>  <div><span class="sticky-chat" role="button" onclick="window.open('https://libraryh3lp.com/chat/mlibs-queue@chat.libraryh3lp.com?skin=27584', 'AskUs', 'resizable=1,width=700,height=420'); return false;" tabindex="0"><span class="sr-only">Open Chat</span><em class="far fa-comments"></em></span></div>  <script defer="defer" src="/templates/js/jquery.flexslider.js"> </script> <script src="/templates/js/marriott-custom.js"> </script> <script defer="defer" src="/_resources/js/directedit.js"> </script>   <div id="hidden"><a id="de" href="https://a.cms.omniupdate.com/11/?skin=utah&account=utah_marriott_library&site=Marriott-dev&action=de&path=/collections/rarebooks/index.pcf"> Last Modified 2/15/25</a></div> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Rare Books Marriott Library