James Taylor Collection

The James Taylor Collection comprises some of the Wirtz Labor Library's most valuable and historical materials. These materials are maintained under secure, limited-access, climate-controlled conditions in the Library's James Taylor Room because of their unique or historically significant nature, and/or their relatively frail physical condition. This collection is housed separately from the Main Library and is available for researchers by appointment only.

The James Taylor Room, which houses the James Taylor Collection, was dedicated on June 3, 1991, by then U.S. Secretary of Labor Lynn Martin, to the memory of the late James Taylor (1919-1991). Mr. Taylor was a 50-year employee of the U.S. Department of Labor, friend of the Library, and champion of preserving the history of labor. Mr. Taylor was an ardent volunteer for the Labor Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Phillip Arnow award in 1984. The Arnow Award is given to outstanding DOL employees

The Periodicals Collection

The Wirtz Labor Library provides access to an extensive collection of historic periodicals, which is located in a separate section of the stacks in the Main Library. This valuable collection of periodicals includes current and historic trade union publications from the United States and abroad, popular magazines, statistical journals, and more. Periodicals are fully cataloged and discoverable through the librarys online catalog

The Folio Collection

The Wirtz Labor Library provides access to an extensive collection of oversized historic periodicals, which is located in a separate section of the stacks in the Main Library. Folios also include historic trade union publications from the United States and abroad, popular magazines, and statistical journals. Folios are fully cataloged and discoverable through the library's online catalog

The Portrait Collection

The U.S. Department of Labor showcases a unique collection of original paintings of former U.S. Secretaries of Labor that are located throughout the Wirtz Labor Library. It is the custom to have the portrait painted after the Secretary leaves office.