University Archives
& Special Collections

Collections Policies



University Archives Collection Policy


The University Archives will acquire University records which document the University's history, organization, structure, programs and functions. To augment the information in these records, the University Archives may also acquire the records of affiliated institutions and campus organizations, the personal papers of individuals, and collections of material from other sources that document the life of the University community.

The University Archives will acquire records in all media formats, regardless of physical form or characteristics. However, this does not include the regular acquisition of artifacts or similar museum materials; these will only be acquired selectively if they relate directly to, and support the understanding, use and/or display of, a specific archival document.

The scope of acquisition is limited to certain categories of records. For complete details, including loans and returns policies, please read the University Archives Collection Policy [PDF document].


Special Collections Collection Policy

The collections developed by Special Collections support the teaching and research needs of the Dalhousie academic community in most areas of the social sciences and humanities. In specific subject areas significant collections also support the research of the regional, national, and international research community. Selection of additional material is carried out to enhance existing collections. The Special Collections policy is complemented by the collection development policy statements of the individual disciplines which outline specific research levels. Although resources in Special Collections support graduate and independent research in virtually all disciplines, specific strengths exist in History, English, Classics and Canadian Studies.

For a complete description of our policy, please see our Special Collections Collection Policy page.