Special Collections & Archives collects material in several major thematic areas. Many collections fall into one or more areas. Note that this list is not exhaustive, and some collections do not fall into any of these categories. Please consult the title list to view all collections.
- Architecture
- Authors and artists: The creative process
- Book arts: Binding, artists' books, fine printing, private presses
- Dance
- Environment
- Indigenous peoples
- Local history
- Mathematics
- Southey and the Romantics
- Spiritualism and theosophy
- University of Waterloo
- Urban planning
- Women's studies
- The World Wars and between
