The Special Collections of the University Libraries makes accessible more than 2,000 manuscript collections. Within its mission to preserve the history and culture of the State of Arkansas, these include the personal and professional papers of numerous political figures, prominent individuals and families, organizations, businesses, schools, and researchers.

Many collections in an archives have restrictions on their use. The Shugart Plantation Records are one such example. Because of the age and fragile condition of many items in the collection, a complete microfilm user copy is available in Special Collections. The research assistants in the Special Collections will hold your student ID or driver's license as you obtain access to the microfilm edition of the collection. You may then take the microfilm to Multimedia Services in Mullins Library (see link below) for access and/or copying. Special Collections has additionally digitzed selections from the collection for research by Arkansas History students.