The TCNJ Library Archives and Special Collections include many materials about the history of the College. The department also includes a substantial collection of historical textbooks, early children’s books, art history books and teaching materials, and other rare and scarce books.
For more information on the archives please see the Archives and Special Collections Use Policy or contact the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Deb Schiff via Reference Services at Ask A Librarian.
Collections
TCNJ History
The history of the College is documented in archival collections, books, dissertations, photographs, oral history, college publications, and memorabilia. Some of the major college publications include the following:
The Signal – the college newspaper, 1885-1919 and December 1929 to the present. This newspaper has been digitized and is available to access here.
Seal – the college yearbook, 1911 to the present (missing 1913)
College catalogs – various titles: Annual Report, Undergraduate Bulletin, etc., 1855 to the present. These materials have been digitized and are available online:
- Undergraduate Bulletins and associated materials may be accessed online here.
- Summer Bulletins may be accessed online here.
- Graduate Bulletins may be accessed online here.
For additional details about document and photograph collections, please see History of the College.
Literary Publications
Select materials from these collections have been digitized. The name of the publication links directly to the Digital Archive in those cases.
Chimes – 1957-1979
Fire II – 1973-1998
Gumption – 1980-1983
Lion’s Eye – 1984-present
Poetry Review – 1980-1983
Review – 1966; 1990-present
Siren – 1995-present
Utimme Umana: La Voz Oculta – 1972-1990
Historical Textbook Collection – This collection of textbooks includes mainly 19th century texts in arithmetic, geography, spelling, history, science, and other subjects. Some of the items are as old as 1711 and the collection extends through 1959. (Modern textbooks dating from 1960 are in the stacks on the 3rd floor.)
Historical Children’s Books Collection – This collection of primarily American children’s books includes items dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the books are not yet cataloged.
Rare and Special Collection Books – This collection includes books that may be limited editions, oversized, unusual format, or in fragile condition. There are several call number designations (Vault, Limited Access, Special Collections) left from the former library building but the location designation does not refer to any particular subject area. All three areas have a wide variety of books, including limited edition art books, 19th century religious pamphlets, and more.
TSC Theses – This collection of Trenton State College master’s theses is available primarily on microfiche. Some recent theses may be available in print. Dates range from 1951 to present. Users may check theses holdings in the online catalog by author, title, or subject.