The South Caroliniana Library is only one of the Special Collections of the University Libraries at the University of South Carolina. The current building of the South Caroliniana Library served as the main library of the University of South Carolina until 1940. Completed in 1840, this structure marked the first use of a free-standing academic library building in the United States.
Today, researchers from around the world visit the Caroliniana to study the books, newspapers, manuscripts, pamphlets, serials, maps, audio recordings, and visual images preserved therein. Four major research divisions of the library include: Books, Manuscripts, Modern Political Collections, and University Archives.
The Library is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.