Subject-Based Collections

Although archival materials often make up a large part of an institution's special collections, many published special collection materials are maintained together not only because of their rarity but also based on their subject matter, author, or some other unifying theme. Most subject-based collections consist of secondary materials that, brought together in one place, constitute a valuable and unique research collection. However, researchers should keep in mind that subject-based collections attempt to collect exhaustively in their subject area and will often include primary source material in the form of official documents and archival and manuscript materials that has been been published for wider dissemination.

Montogmery Ward's Wardway Homes catalog, 1924. National Trust for Historic Preservation Library Collection, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.