Special Collections and Archives
The Special Collections and Archives at Texas State University is home to more than 2 million printed volumes and records, photographs, maps, prints, and audio-visual items. We offer primary source materials for a diverse community of researchers, who range from K-12 and TXST students, as well as scholars around the world. We collect in a variety of subject disciplines, a sampling of which includes water preservation, transportation, geography, and local San Marcos history, as well as university records and archives.
Alkek Reading Room
The Special Collections and Archives Reading Room is located in the Alkek Library room 580. We offer workshops and classroom sessions on using and conducting research with primary source materials and visitors can use the reading room to view materials from our collections.
Our archival collections are stored in a climate-controlled preservation facility, the Archives and Research Center, and need time to acclimate to temperature changes. We ask that researchers request materials at least 2-3 days in advance of their scheduled visit so that the materials can acclimate and be ready upon your arrival.
- Alkek Reading Room 580
- By appointment
- Contact Us
- Archives Staff
- Map and Directions
(5th Floor Alkek Library)
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Primary Source Research
An estimated 2300 linear feet of records, publications, personal papers, audio/visual materials, and memorabilia held in the Special Collections and Archives provide opportunities for historical research and exploration. We offer workshops and classes, as well as consultations to help you navigate and find new and interesting ways to enhance your research with primary source archival materials.