Special Collections

Special Collections is used to describe our collections within the Library that are special, either because they refer to our geographic region, such as the Lower Rio Grande Valley Collection (LRGV) or Archives. Other reasons a collection may be special is because they were received as a complete collection, such as the Bryant Collection and the Holman Collection, or because the books are rare and unique, such as our Rare Book and Special Materials Collection.

Lower Rio Grande Valley and Archives Collections

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) collection consists of materials dealing with south Texas from Laredo to Corpus Christi and south to Brownsville, McAllen, and Rio Grande City. Materials about the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon and Coahuila are also collected. Books, oral histories, and some maps are cataloged in the online catalog. The Archives Collection holds primary source, or original materials such a correspondence, business files, maps, and photographs from local people and businesses.

Rare Book (Rare) and Special Materials (SMC) Collections

Rare books and Special Handling books are kept in closed stacks due to their fragility, requirements for special handling, or value. These books do not circulate, but you may look at them in Special Collections.

Bryant Collection (Bry)

The Bryant Collection consists of over 10,000 volumes emphasizing colonial Latin American literature and history.  William C. Bryant received his PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and taught at the University of Michigan.  He retired from Michigan and taught at The University of Texas-Pan American before his untimely death during his second semester.  The Library acquired his collection of books now known as the Bryant Collection. They are held in Special Collections and may be checked out following the same regulations as other general library books.

Holman Collection

William and Barbara Holman collected books which highlight the art and design of books, featuring limited editions, handmade paper, well-known illustrators, and firsts; in printing and publishing. William Holman began his library career as Head Librarian of Pan American College in 1951. He retired from the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin where he worked to develop the rare books collection, and with his wife, continued his work in handpress printing and managing his publishing company. Barbara Holman has received numerous awards for her art and designs. She was awarded Print Magazine's "Poster of the Year Award" and as a book designer, was included in AIGA's 50 Best Books Award.

Dusting off the Decades

• How to Care for your Treasures at Home handout
• Dusting off the Decades slideshow
• Highlights of the Decades posters

Information about hours, circulation, and regulations.

Special Collections Department Contact: (956) 665-2726