The University of North Texas Archives originated in 1974 in discussions between UNT Library Director, David Webb, and Drs. Robert LaForte and Jack Scroggs in the History Department.  Its creation was officially announced in 1975 by President C. C. Nolen to house university records of enduring value and to document the development of north central Texas.

The Rare Book Room was formed in 1981 by bringing together various items already in the collections of the UNT Libraries. The holdings of the Rare Book collections range in age from a 4,000 year old clay tablet to items produced a few months ago.  In addition to the traditional “book” format, the collections also include scrolls, palm-leaf books, microforms, periodicals, posters, maps, original artworks and artifacts.

The Judge Sarah T. Hughes Reading Room was dedicated on September 6, 1996 through a generous challenge grant from Hoblitzelle Foundation. In 2012 the Archive and Rare Books departments were combined, allowing the staff of both departments to operate out of a single location. The Sarah T. Hughes Room was relocated to the former Rare Books Room and rededicated in the Judge’s honor.