Special Collections and University Archives in the Library of the Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago houses rare books and archives, including pre-fire Chicago imprints (prior to 1871) related to the history of the health sciences. The department also houses the records of the University Archives related to the health science colleges. Many of the historical materials focus on the development of the health sciences in Chicago and the Midwest. The Special Collections and University Archives is open to the public and provides reference, photocopying, and photographic reproduction services.

The strengths of Special Collections and University Archives are neurology, urology, dermatology, and the history of medicine, including collections of early anatomies, herbals, pharmacopeias, and formularies. There are over 23,000 volumes of pre-1930 monographs and pre-1900 journals and over 5,000 linear feet of archival collections, in addition to photographs, slides, and artifacts.

We hold records from the pre-UIC health colleges, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago and the Chicago College of Pharmacy. Other archival collections include the Cook County School of Nursing records, the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association records, the Horizon Hospice records, and the Abraham Low/Recovery International collections.