QEII Collections

Our general collections primarily support research and teaching at Memorial University. We also have numerous specialized collections and divisions that enhance these areas.

Centre for Newfoundland Studies (CNS)

The Centre for Newfoundland Studies (CNS) is a special research collection of published materials (books, government documents, periodicals, newspapers, historic maps, theses, commercial sound recordings and more), that is dedicated to the study of all topics and aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is open to all researchers and students, including  members of the general public. Many CNS holdings are old and rare, while others are as recent as today's press release or this week's community newspaper. Many of the materials in the collection have been digitized and can be accessed from anywhere. The physical collection is always available as materials do not leave the Centre.

In-house, the CNS offers a silent reading room, research assistance from staff knowledgeable in the field of Newfoundland and Labrador studies, and photocopying and scanning services. From outside the library, the CNS offers  research advice by phone, email and mail, and access to digitized materials. Full details on the resources and services are available on the CNS website.

Archives and Special Collections

The Archival holdings of the QEII’s Archives & Special Collections at Memorial University Libraries consist of an extensive collection of unpublished material in a variety of formats, including original manuscripts, personal papers, diaries, sound and film recordings, posters, scrapbooks and photographs, that document the history, culture and development of Newfoundland and Labrador. These materials also document the literary heritage, labour history, military history, social history, women's history and history of the performing arts in our province. Our online performing arts poster collection is the largest in North America, and we also house the STAGE project, one of the most extensive oral history projects in the country.  Our special collections materials consist of an extensive rare book collection and major subject collections in Folklore, Pre-Raphaelite Literature and the Victorian illustrated book, and Ecclesiastical and Theological literature. Visit the Archives and Special Collections website for full details on these unique collections.

Map Room

The Map Room houses the largest collection of cartographic material in the province, including maps, atlases, cartographic materials, air photos, GIS and other geographic resources. The collection offers world-wide coverage, with an emphasis on Newfoundland & Labrador and surrounding areas. Map Room staff provide reference services including GIS assistance.

Other specialized research collections

MUN is the only Canadian English-language university to offer a PhD in Folklore and we have excelled in supporting this unique program through our collection by providing print and multimedia resources on folklore literature, art, music, beliefs and customs, material culture and folklife. Our Irish Studies collection includes many national and regional newspapers, specialized journals and family history resources. We also have strong collections for the study of the indigenous languages of Newfoundland and Labrador, including both native and European languages

Our specialized research collections in folklore, Irish studies, maritime history have been developed with the help of multiple Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grants. Our linguistics collection has also benefited from SSHRC funding.

Government publications

Our library holds an extensive collection of Canadian federal government publications and was a full depository during the lifetime of the depository agreement that terminated in December 2013 after which distribution of hard copy publications ceased and was continued in electronic format. Our holdings also include materials from the provinces and territories, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, international government organizations and many countries. A comprehensive collection of Newfoundland and Labrador government publications is held at the Centre for Newfoundland Studies. Government maps are in the Map Room on level 2 that also holds statistical information in print and CD-ROM from Statistics Canada, international government organizations and national government agencies. Various collections, such as United Nations documents from 1946-2006 are in microform on Level 1.

Online titles can be accessed via the library's catalogue. In addition, online government information from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, various international government organizations and individual countries is on our website. 

Shared print preservation project

Learn more about Memorial University Libraries' membership in the Keep@Downsview partnership.