By Steve Marine, Associate Dean of Digital Initiatives, Special Collections, Preservation and Grants UC Libraries’ special collections provide scholars, both local and global, access to rare books and other rare materials such as maps, pamphlets and journals, that are found in few other libraries. In addition, UC Libraries’ special collections consist of unique primary source materials such as the personal archives of notable people, photographs and historical artifacts and the official records of the university and many regional institutions. Such collections are sources for new discoveries and catalysts for novel research. UC Libraries’ flagship special collections location is the Archives and Rare Book Library located on the 8th floor of…