The Rare Books, Manuscripts and Artifacts collection contains materials demonstrating the various methods human beings have used to record their thoughts and knowledge, in the form of cuneiform tablets, a papyrus leaf, a leather scroll, illuminated manuscripts, Sanscrit on palm leaves, early printed works, etc. Other collections are the 1920's imprint first editions; the Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning books, manuscripts and artifacts; the Kate Greenaway collection; the Jaccaud presidential campaign pamphlets and books; a rare and contemporary Spanish Civil War Collection; an Abraham Lincoln collection; and the large Bayley/Walt Whitman collection of manuscripts, first and other editions of Leaves of Grass, over 500 books and many photographs.

The Collection also houses artifacts such as pre-Columbian pottery from Bolivia, Anasazi and Lower Mississippi culture pottery, Chinese and African artifacts, oriental carpets, chinaware, paintings, etc.