Creating the 21st Century Special Collections Center
The renovation of the Booth Family Center for Special Collections was one of the Library’s primary goals as part of For Generations to Come: The Campaign for Georgetown. The project began in spring 2014 and the new Center opened in March 2015.
As we move deeper into the 21st century, the Booth Family Center for Special Collections will become ever more important as it preserves and protects unique items for future generations. While more and more library collections are held in digital form, the ability to provide access to rare primary resources will help set apart a library and a university.
The new, state-of-the-art facility for teaching and learning with special collections has an environmentally-controlled, secure shelving area and vault; a classroom dedicated specifically to teaching with special collections; an enhanced reading room for researchers; a separate reception area; improved exhibition spaces; and collaborative workspace for faculty, staff and students. These new features allow the Center to expand its impact on the Hilltop and around the globe.
The project was made possible entirely through the generous philanthropy of the Georgetown community, including leadership gifts from Suzanne Deal Booth and David G. Booth (P'2012), Barbara Ellis Jones (C'1974) and the Lauinger family. We are extremely grateful for their support.
The Georgetown University Library is dedicated to providing the safest possible home for the treasures of Special Collections while making them available to students and researchers for generations to come. Learn more about the project by watching the video and exploring the links below.