James Ford Bell Library | University of Minnesota Libraries

Rare books and artifacts

Our varied collection of rare books, both print and manuscript, represent more than six centuries of human interaction around the globe.  Our small but growing collection of artifacts include globes, paintings, and ephemera.

Documents, manuscripts, and archival collections

Government documents, letters, passports, licenses, and other documents of practice, both print and manuscript, can be found within this part of the Bell collection.  These collections represent both individuals and corporate bodies, like the major trading companies of the early modern era.

Historical maps

The more than 22,000 maps in the Bell collection provide insight into the people of the past viewed their world.  Many of these maps are freely available online.

Digitized materials

The James Ford Bell Library's growing collection of digitized materials can be found in the Libraries' digital archive, UMedia. New items are added frequently.  Most items can be freely downloaded; if you require images at a higher resolution, please contact a Bell staff member.

Matteo Ricci's World Map

Kunyu wanguo quantu 坤輿萬國全圖 (Complete Geographical Map of Ten Thousand Countries), is the oldest surviving map in Chinese to show the Americas. This 12 foot x 5.75 foot six-panel world map is one of the highlights of the Bell collection.

Exhibitions and instructional resources

The James Ford Bell Library has a robust exhibition program, offering physical exhibitions in the Bell Gallery in the Elmer L. Andersen Library building, as well as digital exhibits, some of which drawn from physical exhibitions.  Most of our digital exhibits can be used as learning modules for K-12, college students, and lifelong learners.

Hours

Today

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wed, Feb 19

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thu, Feb 20

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fri, Feb 21

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sat, Feb 22

Closed

Note: Appointments are required to visit the reading room within these hours.

More Andersen Library hours

Visit

15F Andersen Library
222 21^st Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Parking information

Call

612-624-1528

Email

[email protected]

Research consultation

Our staff works with individuals and small groups to locate materials in the collection appropriate for your research topic. The service is available everyone. Consultations may be in person or on line via Zoom;  an appointment is required.

Teaching and learning

We support teaching and learning at all levels and welcome interaction with the collection. We work with instructors to craft a unique learning experience for students; we work with students to develop skills in handling, using, and comprehending primary sources.

• K-12
• Undergraduate & Graduate Courses
• Lifelong Learning

Engagement and outreach

Fellowships

Student Prizes

Community Connections

Publications