Since its founding in 1978, the mission of The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library has been to collect and preserve recorded evidence of the history of the people of southwest Alabama and to promote its use for original research by students, faculty and the public. Our collection scope covers the history of the Alabama Black Belt and its families, the history of Mobile and southwest Alabama and its people, and the history of the University of South Alabama. Our extensive photograph and manuscript collections broadly document life in the region from the early nineteenth century to the present. We strive for representation of all segments of the population and actively pursue community partnerships to this end.
Our collections currently encompass approximately 750 individual accessions of varying sizes including paper-based collections spanning approximately 4,200 linear feet, and more than 3.4 million photographic images. In addition, we have growing digital collections which allow us to reach beyond the walls of the institution. The McCall Library serves University of South Alabama students and faculty, the city of Mobile and environs, and researchers from around the world.
Listed below are guidelines for the type of material sought by The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Individuals should contact us to discuss whether or not his or her donation fits these guidelines. We can, if necessary, copy photographs and manuscripts for historical research and return the originals to their owners.
Archival items that enhance our Special Collections:
Archival items that relate to the University of South Alabama such as: