Our Special Collections include a number of rare books, manuscripts, and other print materials that document a variety of topics including art, Japanese history and culture, literature, mathematics, music, performing arts, and religion. Selected materials have been digitized for online research access.

Japanese Prints, Illustrated Books, and Manuscripts

The Charles Nelson Spinks Collection of Japanese Prints, Illustrated Books, and Manuscripts features works created between the 17th through the 20th centuries and includes works of Japanese Ukiyo-e artists Hiroshige and Hokusai as well as examples of Sogoruku board games.

Mathematics Rare Books

The Artemas Martin Collection features mathematical texts from the 15th through the 20th centuries. The collection relates to algebra, arithmetic, number theory, surveying, and other sciences.

Mathematical Ciphering Books

Samples of our Mathematical Ciphering books dating 1762-1912 from our rare books collections, including the Karen Dee Michalowicz Collection, include mathematical lessons, excercises and answers, correspondence, notes, and more.

Historic Sheet Music Collection

This collection includes digitized public domain sheet music selected from the American University Library's 2,500 piece collection of historical sheet music. The digitized collection focuses on late 19th-century and early 20th-century popular songs.

Presidential Letters

Founders and early administrators of American University were avid collectors; they donated a number of items to the AU Library. This collection includes two digitized pieces of correspondence written by U.S. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.