Special collections contain unique or rare material with a shared subject amassed by a common creator or group of creators.

Formats of special collection materials commonly found in manuscript performing arts collections include correspondence, notebooks, diaries, financial ledgers, scrapbooks, newspaper or magazine clippings, photographs, negatives, printed or handwritten music, programs, scripts, publicity material, and artwork.

Dance researchers will find that relevant collections to their subject are housed across Library of Congress divisions. Explore these divisions in the sub-pages of the guide navigation menu at left.