Welcome to UBC Library Vault

UBC Library Vault website (2009)

The UBC Library Vault website is currently under construction; however, we’re thrilled to share UBC Library’s hidden treasures with viewers and supporters on this interim web portal.

Bring the magic of rare books and special collections to your fingertips by exploring UBC Library Vault.  Our online gallery showcases extraordinary images – and their stories – that are often hidden from the public eye.

Discover the Treasures

Special collections are the heart of UBC Library. The Chung Collection offers an unparalleled glimpse into the history of the CPR, early British Columbia and the Chinese-Canadian experience. The H. Colin Slim Stravinsky Collection is the largest of its kind in Canada and contains autographed scores by the ground-breaking composer. The Lewis Carroll Collection holds a first edition of the beloved children’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Other Library treasures include rare prints by renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artists such as Hiroshige and Hokusai, and hundreds of historical photographs documenting the proud past of British Columbia.

Awarded the prestigious Gold Medal in Best E-Innovation in University Advancement from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education, UBC Library Vault offers a unique approach to building awareness of UBC Library’s collections.

We invite you to browse the gallery, browse our e-Newsletter and learn how to join our community of supporters.

For more information on purchasing gift cards featuring unique images from UBC Library’s collections and how to support UBC Library, contact the UBC Library Development Office.

Did you know

UBC Library Vault has been featured in publications including the Vancouver Sun, UBC Grad Gazette, UBC Reports, UBC This Week, the Chronicle of Higher Education, the BCLA Reporter, the CLA Digest, UBC’s BCom newsletter, UBC’s e-Strategy newsletter, American Libraries Direct and TREK magazine.