Celebrating 50 years of Special Collections & Archives

For 50 years, Special Collections & Archives (SCA) at the University of Waterloo Libraries has connected students, faculty and researchers with the unique primary sources that drive discovery, support teaching and preserve knowledge. 

To celebrate, the Libraries has released a special 50th Anniversary Impact Report, highlighting some of the people, collections and achievements that have shaped SCA's history and continue to guide its future. 

"Since its founding in 1976, SCA has played a vital role in advancing the University of Waterloo's mission of research, teaching and learning," says Beth Namachchivaya, University Librarian. "As we mark this milestone anniversary, we celebrate not only a rich history, but an enduring impact." 

A history of preserving and advancing knowledge 

The origins of Special Collections & Archives can be traced to the 1967 donation of the Lady Aberdeen Memorial Library by the National Council of Women of Canada, a collection that helped lay the foundation for the department's future development. With the opening of the Doris Lewis Rare Book Room in 1976, SCA was formally established and quickly became a valuable resource for researchers. 

From this foundational focus on women’s studies to its contemporary leadership in advancing equity and reconciliation in Canadian archival practice, SCA has established a distinct place within the landscape of Canadian academic archives. Its collections continue to support research, teaching and experiential learning across disciplines at Waterloo and beyond.

Evolving to meet the needs of researchers 

As research and information practices have evolved, SCA has adapted by balancing traditional archival stewardship with the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. Today, the department continues to preserve, describe and provide access to unique materials that support new scholarship, interdisciplinary research and hands-on learning. 

The anniversary is an opportunity not only to reflect on SCA's history, but also to recognize its ongoing role in academic success, lifelong learning and scholarly inquiry at Waterloo. As new forms of scholarship emerge and researchers engage with increasingly diverse materials, Special Collections & Archives remains committed to preserving knowledge and enabling discovery for future generations. 

Join the celebration 

The University of Waterloo community and friends of the Libraries are invited to celebrate this important milestone at the Special Collections & Archives 50th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 3 p.m. 

Full event details and registration on the Libraries event page.