The DeGolyer Library is the principal repository at SMU for special collections in the humanities, the history of business, and the history of science and technology. Its rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other materials are available to all SMU students, faculty, visiting scholars, and other researchers. DeGolyer Library’s holdings of primary sources are complemented by exhibitions, lectures, publications, and other programs. Dedicated to enhancing scholarship and teaching at SMU, the DeGolyer Library is charged with maintaining and building its various collections "for study, research, and pleasure."

Upcoming Exhibit:

Defined By Light: Photography's First 75 Years.
October 23 – December 19, 2014.

Jack and Beverly Wilgus have an exceptional collection of images and objects related to the history of photography. The latest DeGolyer exhibit begins with materials from before the invention of photography with the camera obscura and ends in the 20th century. Photographs of various subjects and processes will be displayed: daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, stereographs, cameras, viewers, early color work and more.

Defined by Light: Photography's First 75 Years by Jack and Beverly Wilgus, is available for purchase through the library for $25.00.

No Small Dreams: J. Erik Jonsson – Texas Visionary by Darwin Payne, is available for purchase through the library for $25.00.

The Civil War in Photographs: New Perspectives from the Robin Stanford Collection, is available for purchase through the library for $20.00.

Recently added finding aids

Juanita and Henry S. Miller Jr. family papers

Joe Coomer papers

Annette Sanford papers

Top image: Baldwin Locomotive Works, Santa Fe type Locomotives built for Southern Pacific lines, "Prosperity Special."
[Samuel M. Vauclain standing in front of "Prosperity Special"] Photograph, Ag1986.0414x