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The Special Collections & Archives team is here to help students and scholars with research on the history, heritage, and culture of the lower Rio Grande Valley of deep South Texas. We offer an array of resources and services to help you in your academic journey.
Browse or search our unique materials and collections relating to the history and culture of the Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico.
- Books and Publications. Use the advanced search function and select the search profile for Special Collections & Archives Library catalog
- Archival Collections. Use our archival management tool (ArchivesSpace) for searching or browsing find aids.
- University Archives. Explore the array of resources related to the institutional memory of UTRGV.
- Digital Library. Browse or search digital collections on ScholarWorks at UTRGV.
- Local History Research Guides. Special Collections & Archives has compiled research guides on popular topics in local and regional history to assist students and new researchers in identifying primary and secondary sources. Each guide provides entry-level research with links to resources.
Book your SCA Appointment online!
Appointments are available for in-person and online research assistance just select whether you prefer an on-campus or online/videochat appointment.
- UTRGV users should request appointments using their institutional email address.
- Please confirm your appointment via email and follow the instructions provided.
- Review the Research Visits Guide for more information on what to expect during your visit.
We encourage our students and scholars to initiate their research inquiries online. To get started, please submit your Online Research Request.
- UTRGV users should request appointments using their institutional email address.
- Students should include your course information as requested.
- Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, especially full names, dates, and locations of interest.
UTRGV Special Collections & Archives has compiled research guides on popular topics to assist students and new researchers with finding primary and secondary sources. Each guide provides entry level research with links to resources.
Students seeking to do research among historic newspapers and newsletters will be pleased to find our Historical Newspapers Guide. Special Collections & Archives staff are committed to digitizing these important primary sources to expand online access.
Oral history interviews serve an important role in interdisciplinary research. The Rio Grande Valley Oral History Collection consists of hundreds digitized oral histories recorded and collected by faculty, staff, students, and community members and donated to the University Library.
Visit our LibGuide for more information on conducting oral history research and documentation.
Researchers must make their own assessments of rights based on their intended use, including determination of existing copyright, possible restrictions on reuse of materials, and permission to publish or distribute materials found in our collections. Review the Copyright Guide or Digital Collections Copyright page for more information.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for more information.