Q. Does the AU library have a photography collection?

Please consult the American University History Photograph and Print Collection. This collection of photographs documents the early history of American University and its campus in northwest Washington D.C. Photographs trace the physical development of the campus from the groundbreaking for its first building in 1896, through rapid growth in the 1920s, up to the mid 1960s. Also included are photographs of commencement ceremonies from 1916 through 1970.

In addition to the AU photography collection, the following online photo collections might be relevant:

• The Library of Congress has an extensive Prints and Photographs collection. Thousands of their images can be searched online.
• National Archives, Still Picture Research Room has millions of photographs on diverse subjects. 
• The Historical Society of Washington, DC has an extensive collection of DC images.
• The DC Public Library's DigDC and The People's Archive, which is a repository of over a million photographs from the Washington Star newspaper as well as historical images of DC.
• Part of the National Geographic magazine photo collection can be searched online.
• Also check the websites for museums and local history associations.

Photography books are shelved on the lower level of the library in the call number TR.

These Subject Guides may be useful:

• Finding Images
• News and Newspapers

If you have any questions or would like additional help, please visit our Ask a Librarian page.