Special Collections, Introduction and Services
The Macau University of Science and Technology Library houses a Special Collections section that encompasses rare materials on Macao studies, such as historical maps, photographic archives, Macao art archives, research materials on Xiangshan (Tong King Sing), and other specialized collections. We cordially invite both university members and the general public to access and utilize these valuable resources for research and scholarly exploration.
Introduction of Resources
Global Mapping of Macao
Initiated in 2013, the “Global Mapping of Macao” (GMOM) project was established by the Macau University of Science and Technology Library to collect, duplicate, and acquire historical maps of Macao from institutions all around the world. To date, the collection has grown to include over 11,700 maps, categorized into digital maps, reproduced facsimiles, and original maps. Users are welcome to consult the original maps onsite at the library or access high-resolution digital versions through the MUST Library Special Collections Database.
Macau Image Gallery
Established in December 2018, the Macau Image Gallery is committed to the continuous visual documentation of the urban transformation, social development, folk culture, and historical architecture in Macao and the Greater Bay Area. To date, the gallery has collected over 100,000 images of Macao and its surrounding regions. Building on this foundation, the Special Collections department at the Macau University of Science and Technology Library systematically catalogs, curates, exhibits, and publishes these resources. The collection serves as a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and those interested in the visual history and cultural heritage of Macao and its neighboring regions.
Macao Art Archive
The Macao Art Archive is a specialized collection developed from a significant donation of art archives by renowned local artist Professor Ung Vai Meng, beginning in 2022, along with selected acquisitions by the library. The archive aims to collect, preserve, and organize a wide range of materials related to Macao’s artistic heritage, including works by local artists, records of contemporary and modern art associations, historical photographs, postcards, traditional packaging papers, posters, and other art-related documents. By showcasing the richness and diversity of Macao’s artistic landscape, the archive offers scholars and researchers direct access to primary sources in specific areas of Macao art.
Xiangshan (Tong King Sing)
This collection is dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of historical materials related to prominent figures from Xiangshan, such as Sun Yat-Sen, Tong King Sing, Tong Mowchee, Zheng Guanying, Tang Shaoyi, and Yung Wing, as well as resources documenting the local history of Xiangshan. The collection comprises a diverse range of primary resources, such as rare books, genealogical records, archival documents, land deeds, stone rubbings, historical photographs, and period newspapers.
Macao Studies
This collection focuses on stone rubbings produced by missionaries in Macao, along with Chinese-English-Portuguese dictionaries, rare books, and historical newspapers related to missionary activity and linguistic exchange.
Rubbings
This collection comprises nearly 1,000 recently excavated epitaph rubbings from China’s Central Plains region, covering a broad historical range from the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE) through the Republican Era (1912–1949). Most of the specimens originate from the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE).
Service Access
On-site Appointment Service
Users are welcome to schedule an on-site visit by contacting the Special Collections department in advance.
Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00 (Service suspended on public holidays)
Online Consultations
The MUST Library provides online support services, including email and virtual consultations. Users are encouraged to contact the Special Collections department in advance to arrange these services.
Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00 (Service suspended on public holidays)
Service Offerings
Resources Accessing
It also provides access to a diverse range of Special Collections for scholarly research and reading. These include historical maps related to Macao studies, photographic archives of Macao, Macao art archives, materials on Xiangshan (Tong King Sing), Macao research resources, stone rubbings, and other specialized materials.
Databases Consultation
Part of the Special Collections resources are available through our online databases:
MUST Library Special Collections
(For research assistance, please contact the Special Collections department)
Special Research Consultation
Dedicated research support is available for specialized academic inquiries. Prospective users are required to schedule an appointment in advance by contacting the Special Collections department via email.
Contacts
📞Tel: (+853) 8897-2032
📧Email: library_spc@must.edu.mo
📍Location: N205, N block Library Building, Macau University of Science and Technology.
