University Archives and Special Collections

Exhibits & Special Projects

Jack Vance Collection

In the summer of 2026, the University Archives and Special Collections of the University of Texas at Tyler received on deposit the records and realia of the late Jack Vance, one of the most influential American science fiction and fantasy authors of the twentieth century.  In a loan agreement with the Jack Vance Estate, this collection will be processed with the anticipation of being made available for non-commercial public use by mid-2028.  This deposit was made possible through the significant collaborative efforts of Dr. Billy Cryer, John Vance of the Vance Estate, and University Archivist Rachel Motes.  The materials contained within this collection represent the life and works of Jack Vance, as seen through the lenses of his manuscripts, correspondence, journals, photographs, and various types of realia.  As the curator for the Jack Vance Collection, inquiries about this collection may be directed to Dr. Billy Cryer at bcryer@uttyler.edu.

Bill Ratliff Collection

The University Archives and Special Collections Department (UASC) received on deposit the records of former Texas Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff. In a custody agreement with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, all official records deemed to have permanent value will be processed and made available for public use by the UASC at The University of Texas at Tyler. The private papers (including books and artifacts) received from Mr. Ratliff are accessioned through the Special Collections function of the department. These include any and all materials not related to the legislative or executive duties carried out by Mr. Ratliff's respective senate or lieutenant governor's office.

UASC Blog

The UT Tyler UASC Blog tracked the events and happenings related to the department, its collections, and the history of the University of Texas at Tyler.  It served as a dynamic compliment to the University Archives and Special Collections webpage as well as to the Robert R. Muntz Library’s Patriot Spot blog.  With its first post on December 2, 2009, announcing its creation, this blog ran until October 30, 2020.  

This Month in UT Tyler History

This Month in UT Tyler History was a monthly newsletter published by the University Archives and Special Collections of the University of Texas at Tyler, describing the activities of the UT Tyler community ten, twenty, and thirty years ago.  First published on March 30, 2012, this publication ran until April 2019.