The Libraries' Special Collections and University Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to unique primary sources, archives, and rare books documenting the history of ODU and the Coastal Virginia Region.
Special collections and archives are for everyone! Our diverse and inclusive collections cover a wide range of topics that enrich scholarly opportunities, and we welcome students, faculty, staff, community members, and researchers from all over the world to use our collections and services.
​Contact Special Collections and University Archives, we are here to help you find exactly what you need: libspecialcollections@odu.edu
Special collections contain both primary and secondary resource materials that have characteristics which set them apart from other types of collections in libraries. These qualities may include:
The University Archives document the unique history of ODU from it's founding in 1930. Learn more using our University Archives Research Guide
Because of these qualities, special collections are difficult or impossible to replace, and require a higher level of security and special preservation environments to insure their survival. Therefore, special collection materials are located in closed stacks areas, where they are retrieved by staff for researchers in our reading room.
Browse or search over 2,000 clips of historic local news film footage from the 1950s-1970s. Donated by CBS affiliate WTKR News Channel 3, these historical films feature significant historical events related to military history, Civil Rights, public health, medicine, women's history, arts and entertainment, urban development, education, politics, etc. https://dc.lib.odu.edu/digital/collection/wtar/search
Oral histories by women leaders at ODU and in the Hampton Roads community: https://dc.lib.odu.edu/digital/collection/oralhistory
ODU Women's Center Collection: https://dc.lib.odu.edu/digital/collection/womenscenter
Carolyn Rhodes Collection: https://dc.lib.odu.edu/digital/collection/crhodes
This collection, dating from 1922-2006, contains correspondence, memoranda, depositions, court orders, recollections, statistical testing data, printed material, artifacts, and maps primarily relating to school desegregation in Norfolk, Virginia. https://dc.lib.odu.edu/digital/collection/npsdp