Woodson Research Center: Home

Fondren Library's rare and unique resources can be found in the Woodson Research Center.

We are located on the 1st floor of the library, just inside the West entrance (the Brochstein Pavilion side). 

We are open to the public and invite research in all our materials.

Main types of collections:

• Manuscripts (letters, diaries, photographs, memorabilia, business records, audio & video and more)
• Rare books
• Rice University Archives (all things Rice, starting with the founding of Rice Institute)

Subject strengths include Houston business and philanthropy, fine and performing arts; Rice faculty members' papers; Texas history; U.S. Civil War materials; British Maritime & Naval History; history of science and more.

Normal Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some materials are stored off-site.

Please call or e-mail ahead for specific information, at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy,  literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Selected materials have been digitized and can be found in Rice's institutional repository, scholarship.rice.edu.

• Rice University Archives
• Cultural heritage / manuscript collections

"Beatus leaf from a Psalter in Latin, Southern Netherlands, with a fine historiated initial showing scenes from the life of King David and with a decorative border including a hunting scene." (1250 and 1275).