Rare books and special collections are often defined as materials that, because of subject coverage, rarity, source, condition, or form, are best handled separately from the general collection. Every library collects different subject areas. In our case, we have robust collection of American popular culture. This includes 19th and 20th century American literature, dime novels (e.g. Beadle’s, Nick Carter, Deadwood Dick, Pluck and Luck, etc.), comic books, science fiction and fantasy, and historical children’s books (authors such as Horatio Alger, Louisa May Alcott, Frank Merriwell, Oliver Optic, etc.; series such as Tom Swift, Nancy Drew, The Bobbsey Twins, Elsie Dinsmore, Hardy Boys, etc.). Other strengths include a teaching collection of rare books, private press books, opera in Chicago, 18th century British literature, book arts, black studies, drama, and women, gender, and sexuality studies.