The Carnegie Mellon University Libraries’ Distinctive Collections team experienced a year of growth and impact in 2025, expanding research services, strengthening digital preservation infrastructure, and deepening engagement across campus and beyond.
The newly released 2025 Distinctive Collections Annual Report highlights major initiatives across the University Archives, Posner Center for Special Collections, exhibitions, Architecture Archives, and Art Properties, demonstrating how the Libraries preserves CMU’s history while supporting research, teaching, and public scholarship.
Preserving CMU’s legacy
The University Archives saw significant increases in research activity, with reference interactions growing by 110% compared to 2021. The Archives also played a central role in Carnegie Mellon’s 125th anniversary celebrations, helping develop the university-wide historical timeline and the “125 Points of Pride” campaign.
The year also marked the relaunch of the Oral History Program, which is documenting the experiences of key figures from across the university, including leaders in the School of Computer Science, Robotics Institute, and School of Drama.
Advancing digital preservation
Distinctive Collections also made significant progress in digital preservation. In 2025, the team analyzed 27.3 terabytes of digital holdings and captured more than 381,000 web pages as part of expanded web archiving efforts.
These efforts support the long-term preservation of the university’s digital scholarship and institutional record.
A renewed space for rare materials
The Posner Center for Special Collections reopened in November 2025 following an $8 million renovation funded by the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, expanding opportunities for teaching, research, and public engagement.
Within its first weeks, the center hosted classes, tours, and public events, welcoming more than 140 students and visitors.
Engaging audiences through exhibitions
Distinctive Collections exhibitions reached thousands of visitors in 2025, including major installations connected to Carnegie Mellon’s 125th anniversary and the history of robotics.
Across exhibitions and digital campaigns, Distinctive Collections reached more than 450,000 online viewers, demonstrating the growing impact of the Libraries’ collections and storytelling initiatives.
Read the full report:
Explore the 2025 Distinctive Collections Annual Report to learn more about the programs, partnerships, and collections shaping the future of the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries.