The Library's Special Collections contains a varied collection of books, manuscripts, facsimiles, and scores that document the history of the Pacific Northwest, represent the institution's Catholic identify, and/or support curricular needs. Highlights of the collection include a collection of printed scores from the estate of Aaron Copland, the Ellesmere Chaucer (a facsimile of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales), and a number of religious materials including illuminated manuscript fragments, Psalters, and a copy of the Catholic Ladder. More detailed holdings may be viewed or downloaded by accessing the Special Collections Inventory. Collecting for Clark Library’s Special Collections is governed by the Special Collections Development Policy. The Library also welcomes donations in accordance with its Gifts of Materials policy.
Use Policy
Materials in the Special Collections are available for use with certain provisions:
- Please contact the Library 24 hours in advance to arrange use of Special Collections materials. Either inquire at the Service Desk, call 503.943.7111, or email library@up.edu. When you request the appointment to access items from Special Collections, be prepared to specify which material(s) you wish to view.
- Please bring a photo ID.
- No photocopying is permitted of Special Collections materials.
- Access is limited to Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. unless the Library is closed, or by special arrangement.
Saint John's Bible
The Clark Library is proud to exhibit a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible, the first completely handwritten and illuminated Bible to have been commissioned by a Benedictine Abbey since the invention of the printing press. The Heritage Edition uses special ink, paper, and printing techniques to replicate the original Saint John’s Bible. Only 299 Heritage Editions were produced, and ours was the first complete set in the state of Oregon. Many thanks to Allen and Kathie Lund and Family, who donated the Bible to the University. The Saint John's Bible is located in a special display case near the main entrance to the Library.
Sermon on the Mount, Thomas Ingmire, Copyright 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Viewing the Saint John's Bible
All Library visitors
- Library visitors are welcome to visit the Library during open hours to view the pages of The Saint John’s Bible that are currently on display. The display case is located near the Service Desk and the main entrance to the Library [see map].
- The Library owns a complete facsimile edition of The Saint John's Bible which is shelved in our Oversize collection on the lower level of the Library [see map]. Any Library visitor may view the book, and it may be borrowed by UP students, staff, faculty, alumni, and eligible guest users.
Make an appointment
- Please contact the Library at least one week in advance to arrange a viewing of The Saint John’s Bible by emailing: reference@up.edu.
- Appointments are contingent on availability of display space and docents.
- When you schedule the appointment, be prepared to specify which volume(s) you wish to view during your visit. Explore the Turning the Pages of The Saint John's Bible site to identify volumes of interest.
- Non-flash photography for personal non-commercial uses is permitted; no photocopying is permitted.