The Special Collections & University Archives of the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Libraries are located on the Allendale campus in Seidman House, just south and east of James H. Zumberge Library. The rare books, manuscripts, documents and artwork housed here supplement and enhance resources available in the GVSU libraries. Seidman House is a beautiful setting for these Special Collections. The study area looks out over a calm, wooded ravine, and has an impressive stone fireplace. 

Special Collections acquires, preserves, and provides access to the University Libraries' holdings of over 35,000 books; approximately 1,000 linear feet of manuscripts; more than 15,000 photographic prints and negatives; a modest but growing collection of incunabula and 16^th-century printing; and significant holdings of maps, broadsides, audio recordings, videos, motion-picture films, and ephemera.

The collections are world-wide in scope with particular focus on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War; Michigan in the novel; regional literature, history and culture; and history of the book and printing arts.  Special Collections materials support the curricula, academic, and research interests of the communities it serves.