The Library's Special Collections focuses primarily on unique and rare materials that are local, including a small number of archival collections. These collections include both personal document collections (also called fonds) and materials related to VIU's institutional history. 

You can discover most of our Special Collections materials by using the LibrarySearch tool above. For some archival or specialized collections, you will need to consult the section below with finding aids.

Finding aids are collection guides or tools that provide detailed lists and descriptions of archival material. They are often named after the main subject of the collection or person who donated the collection, and include useful information about its contents and context. You can use the finding aids below to find items in a collection (or 'fonds') you are interested in accessing in person. Items are requested by box number.

To request an item, use our request form.