Archives & Special Collections

The Archives & Special Collections of the CSI Library collects, preserves, and makes available primary and secondary materials that document the history of Staten Island and the College of Staten Island.

• The Archives focuses on nationally significant aspects of the history of the College, its predecessors (Staten Island Community College and Richmond College), faculty research, and alumni accomplishment.
• The Special Collections concentrates on the history of Staten Island in the period since consolidation with New York City (1898), focusing on political history, public policy issues, and citizen activism.

As a unit of the Library, the Archives & Special Collections supports effective teaching and learning through training students to conduct research using primary source materials, partnering with faculty members to create assignments using primary source materials, and hosting internships in archival theory and practice for students wanting to explore archival work as an interest or career option. The unit engages the public through programs, lectures, physical and online exhibitions, and cooperative projects with other Staten Island historical repositories, sharing knowledge of archival and library practice and technology to promote preservation and access to Staten Island materials.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or email us at: archives@csi.cuny.edu.