The Rare Books & Special Collections Department of the Northern Illinois University Libraries  believes that primary materials are an integral part of the educational experience at every academic level. Rare Books and Special Collections is dedicated to helping you provide a holistic educational experience -- one that provides your students with the opportunity to handle history and learn from it, based upon your educational goals, aims, and syllabi.

We always welcome community groups and class visits, at all academic levels, from elementary school through graduate school and beyond. We happily create presentations to suit your syllabus (a list of sample presentations can be found at the left).

Please contact Lynne Thomas, the Head of Rare Books and Special Collections (815)-753-0255, to set up a class or group visit. 

We are here to serve you and your students for teaching and research. Please, make use of us!