History

Our history collections are both broad and deep in terms of time periods, regions, and approaches. The international studies collections constitute a significant portion of our history collections. American, British, Canadian, and Irish history make up the rest of the history collections, with American history supplemented by the multicultural and American culture studies collections.

We collect materials in all formats and languages, including monographs, media, serials, microforms, and electronic resources. While much of the collection consists of secondary materials, we also purchase primary sources in both physical and electronic formats. 

Emerging areas of focus include environmental history and global and comparative history. Historical areas of specialty include the history of social protest, which complements materials in the Labadie Collection.

Important related collections 

Our collections are complemented by the collections at the Bentley Historical Library, which focuses on the history of the University of Michigan and the State of Michigan, and the Clements Library, which collects materials related to the history and culture of the United States from the 15th to 19th centuries.