TCNJ Library Archives and Special Collections
The TCNJ Library Archives and Special Collections include mainly materials about the history of the College, as well as a substantial collection of Historical Textbooks, a smaller collection of Historical Children’s Books, and other rare, limited edition, and oversized books or books with unusual formats or in fragile condition.
For security reasons the Archives is a locked area. Access to the Archives is by appointment, although same day access may be available if staffing permits. Please contact Reference at 609 771-2417 or email Ask A Librarian.
Collections
TCNJ History – The history of the College is documented in books, dissertations, photographs, oral history, college publications, and memorabilia. Some of the major college publications include the following:
Signal – the college newspaper, 1885 – June 1919 and December 1929 to the present
Seal – the college yearbook, 1911 to the present (missing 1913)
College catalogs – various titles: Annual Report, Undergraduate Bulletin, etc., 1855 to the present
Literary Publications
Chimes – 1957-1979
Fire II – 1973-1998
Gumption – 1980-1983
Lion’s Eye – 1984-
Poetry Review – 1980-1983
Review – 1966; 1990-
Siren – 1995-
Utimme Umana: La Voz Oculta – 1972-1990
Historical Textbook Collection – This collection of textbooks includes mainly 19th century texts in arithmetic, geography, spelling, history, science, and other subjects. Some of the items are as old as 1711 and the collection in the Archives goes through 1959. (Old textbooks dating from 1960 are in the stacks on the 3rd floor.)
Historical Children’s Books Collection – This collection of primarily American children’s books includes items dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the books are not yet cataloged.
Rare and Special Collection Books – This collection includes books that may be limited editions, oversized, unusual format, or in fragile condition. There are several call number designations (Vault, Limited Access, Special Collections) left from the former library building but the location designation does not refer to any particular subject area. All three areas have a wide variety of books, including limited edition art books, large atlases, 19th century religious pamphlets, ethnographic reports to the Smithsonian Institution, etc.
TSC Theses – This collection of Trenton State College master’s theses is available on microfiche. Dates range from 1951 to 1996. Users may check theses holdings in the online catalog by author, title, or subject.
