Benson Latin American Collection
The Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection is one of the premier libraries in the world for Latin America and Latina/o Studies. We proudly marked our centennial in 2021.
About the Benson
In partnership with the Teresa Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies (LLILAS), the Benson is a global destination for research and study, with over a million volumes as well as a wealth of original manuscripts, photographs and various media related to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean and Latina/Latino presence in the United States.
News from the Benson
Our Collections
Featured Resource: Economy Furniture Company Strike Collection
LLILAS Benson celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring the Economy Furniture Company Strike Collection, highlighting the non-violent efforts of the Upholsterer’s International Union (UIU), Local No. 456 of Austin, TX to win union recognition in 1971, after a two and a half year strike. Cesar Chavez of the United Farmworkers came to Austin to aid this effort. In addition, the Benson Latin American Collection holds the Texas Farm Workers Union Collection, the photographs of María G. Flores Papers, and the papers of labor organizer Clemente N. Idar Papers which contribute to making accessible Mexican American labor organizing history and legacy.
Rare Books and Manuscripts
The Benson Latin American Collection Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room provides access to a wide range of primary sources from and about Latin America, U.S. Latinas/Latinos, and African diaspora.
Archival collection descriptions are available in Texas Archival Resources Online
Search for rare books in the Library Catalog
Contact Benson archivists: (512) 495-4578, email
Learn more
LLILAS Benson Digital Initiatives
LLILAS Benson Digital Initiatives encompass an array of digital collections, collaborations, and scholarly projects, documenting the heritage of Latin American, U.S. Latinx, African Diasporic, and Indigenous American communities.
Explore our digital collections and content guide
The Archive of the Indigenous Languages of Latin America (AILLA)
LLILAS Benson Digital Scholarship
Research Guides
Latin American Studies
Explore resources for general and archival research in Latin American Studies
Latina/o Studies
Explore some of the best resources for general and archival research on U.S. Latinas/os.
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