W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections is located in the historic Douglas Library and operates as a research and teaching resource for students, faculty, and the larger community. We preserve and provide access to a variety of materials, including rare books, maps, posters, and our impressive Edith and Lorne Pierce Canadiana collection. Our collections cover all subjects, including: astronomy, natural history, classics, modern languages, literature, politics and history.

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W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections welcomes all researchers and visitors. Special collections items can be accessed in our reading room during our regular hours. If you know which items you would like to use, request them ahead of time online through our Rare Books & Special Collections Retrieval Request. If you are researching from a distance and have questions about reproducing images or pages, or would like to use an image for publication please review our Access & Reproduction policies and send us an email.

W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections welcomes undergraduate and graduate class visits. We offer instructional sessions using collection materials in either our Classroom (the Graham George Room) or our Seminar Room depending on availability. For more information on bringing your class to special collections, visit our page on Teaching with Special Collections.

W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections supports a rich exhibition program and holds events throughout the year. Please see our Library News for information on current exhibits.

The Schulich-Woolf Rare Book Collection is focused on history and culture as expressed through early modern printing.At its core are the personal collections of Queen's Principal Daniel Woolf and of Canadian entrepreneur, Seymour Schulich. Through Mr. Schulich's continued support, Special Collections is actively adding to the initial 400 volume donation by acquiring 16th-century English printed books. The collection is housed and on display in the Seminar Room. You may also soon view the collection and related exhibits online.