SCA is home to rare books and special collections that document innovation through the creative process, along with the steps taken when generating new and original ideas, concepts, or artistic expressions. Collections include a selection of papers from twentieth-century Canadian artists and authors of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama such Alice Mary Hagen, David Hill, Elaine M. Catley, Eric P. McCormack, John Herbert, and Jane and Tony Urquhart.

Combined, the collections document all stages of the creative arts process including handwritten manuscripts, typescripts, computer outputs, drafts, revisions and proofs, sketchbooks, idea books, original illustrations, and artworks. Many of these collections also include photographs, correspondence, diaries, ephemera, and other material that reveal additional insight into the artistic creative process.