Benson Latin American Collection

Ann Hartness Reading Room

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.

Benson Latin American Collection Hours

News from the Benson

Black-and-white photograph of Ernesto Cardenal, a Nicaraguan poet and priest, sitting outdoors. He is wearing a beret and glasses, with his head turned to the side, showcasing his beard and long hair. The background features blurred foliage, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere.

Ernesto Cardenal's Centennial

Black-and-white photograph of Paraguayan author Augusto Roa Bastos sitting at a desk, wearing a collared shirt and sweater. He is holding a pen in his right hand and gazing thoughtfully into the distance, with books and papers spread out before him. The image captures a moment of quiet reflection, emphasizing his role as a writer and intellectual.

Benson Acquires Paper of Paraguayan Author Roa Bastos

Alternative text: "A black-and-white portrait of César Vallejo, a Peruvian poet, wearing a suit and tie. He is seated, resting his chin on his hand, with a thoughtful and somber expression on his face. The background is plain, focusing attention on his facial features and intense gaze.

Benson Acquires Archive of Peruvian Poet Vallejo

Black and white image of Latinx man and woman working on an assembly line, kneeling before an unidentifiable machine, both in work clothes.

New Benson Exhibit Features Materials from 25 Years of VOCES

Our Collections

new faculty publications display

Featured Resource – New Faculty Publications

The Benson displays new publications from our collections by UT faculty in the Ann Hartness Reading Room. Come and see the newest publications by focusing on themes as diverse as social work, archaeology, history, architecture, Mexican American and Latino Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, African and African Diaspora Studies, art history, sociology, gender studies and more. Come see the latest faculty research in print!

Image is a color drawing of a mission.  Bird's eye perspective.

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

Four people walking in silhouette

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

Image is a color drawing of a mission.  Bird's eye perspective.

Latin American Studies

Explore resources for general and archival research in Latin American Studies

Chicano Huelga Austin

Latina/o Studies

Explore some of the best resources for general and archival research on U.S. Latinas/os.

Benson Latin American Collection

Location:

Sid Richardson Hall
2300 Red River St
Austin, Texas 78712

Mailing Address:

SRH 1.109, UT Austin
2300 Red River St
Stop S5410
Austin, Texas 78712-1469

Phone:

(512) 495-4520

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.