Special Collections and Archives

aerial photograph of San Marcos, Texas with the Southwest Texas State University in the background

The Special Collections and Archives at Texas State University is home to more than 2 million printed volumes and records, photographs, maps, prints, and audio-visual items. We offer primary source materials for a diverse community of researchers, who range from K-12 and TXST students, as well as scholars around the world. We collect in a variety of subject disciplines, a sampling of which includes water preservation, transportation, geography, and local San Marcos history, as well as university records and archives.



Alkek Reading Room

The Special Collections and Archives Reading Room is located in the Alkek Library room 204 and will be opening to the public in the spring of 2025. We offer workshops and classroom sessions on using and conducting research with primary source materials and visitors can use the reading room to view materials from our collections upon request.

Our archival collections are stored in a climate-controlled preservation facility, the Archives and Research Center, and need time to acclimate to temperature changes. We ask that researchers request materials at least 2-3 days in advance of their scheduled visit so that the materials can acclimate and be ready upon your arrival.

601 University Drive 
San Marcos, TX 78666



Primary Source Research

An estimated 2300 linear feet of records, publications, personal papers, audio/visual materials, and memorabilia held in the Special Collections and Archives provide opportunities for historical research and exploration. We offer workshops and classes, as well as consultations to help you navigate and find new and interesting ways to enhance your research with primary source archival materials.