Louis Agassiz Fuertes Collection

A native Ithacan, Cornell alumnus and past professor Louis Agassiz Fuertes is the nation's most notable ornithological painter since Audubon. Housed in the Fuertes room, the Adelson Library holds a special separate collection of items that Fuertes contributed to.

The Lab of Ornithology has on permanent display a large collection of his bird illustrations. Fuertes' personal papers are housed in the The Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections at Kroch Library. A database containing 2500 Fuertes illustrations is available online. You can read Fuertes' notes from the journal that he kept during the 1899 Harriman Alaska expedition, available through an online exhibit.

Field Guides

Field guides to all areas of the planet have been collected. Subjects for field guides vary greatly but are limited to the natural world. Topics include but are not limited to: birds, butterflies, beetles, fish, mammals, shells, lizards, amphibians, snakes, minerals, trees, flowers, and mushrooms. To some degree all of these topics affect the study of or the health of birds. We are very proud of our circulating field guide collection. Field guides are located near the reference shelves in the Adelson Library.

Children's Collection

The Adelson Library houses a small collection of children’s literature about ornithology. Contemporary children’s literature is housed in a special area within reach of our younger visitors. Historical children’s literature is shelved within the general collection for use by our adult visitors.

Macaulay Library Reference Collection

A non-circulating collection of resources selected by Macaulay Library staff, are housed within the Macaulay Library. Access to this collection is restricted, though it can be arranged through the librarian. Please allow at least 24 hours when requesting permission to view an item in this collection.  

Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates Reference Collection

The CUMV collection is a non-circulating collection of items selected by the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates staff, these resources are housed within three separate rooms. Access to this collection is restricted, though it can be arranged through the librarian. Please allow at least 24 hours when requesting permission to view an item in this collection.

Lab of Ornithology Art Collection

The librarian serves as the registrar for the Lab of Ornithology Art Collection. Questions regarding the art collection can be directed to the Adelson Library.

Rare Books and Manuscripts

The Adelson Library and the Lab of Ornithology have been privileged to be the recipient of several rare books and manuscripts. The location of all of these items can be found via the library catalog. In 2005 the library was able to fund the purchase of an archival quality display case. The library will display a featured book or other item in this case. To read about the item currently on display, go to special library services and see events.