Individual Researchers

The Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections are primarily for the use of the Mount Holyoke Community, but are open for use by the public. All researchers are required to observe the Rules, Regulations and Policies of the Archives and Special Collections. Individuals wishing to visit the Archives and Special Collections are asked to make an appointment.

At Your Service in the Field of Scholarly Research:
Tel: (413) 369-4919
FAX: (413) 369-4953
(A commercial research service provided by Carroll Durand, Ph D.)

Better-Me-Than-You Research Services :
Tel: (413) 369-0117
E-mail: mcclinto@shaysnet.com
(A commercial research service provided by Mary McClintock, MHC, Class of 1978)

University of Massachusetts
Department of History
Tel: University Main Number (413) 545-0111
E-Mail: history@history.umass.edu
(The University History Department can sometimes supply names and addresses of graduate students who might be willing to conduct research for a fee)

Class Use of Collections

The Archives and Special Collections welcomes the use of its collections by classes working on specific subjects. Faculty planning on requiring either the use of primary sources by their students, or requiring the use of particular materials in the Archives and Special Collections are asked to contact the us prior to the beginning of the semester, or at least three weeks before giving the assignment to the students. It is best to plan on spending one class period on a general presentation by the Archives and Special Collections staff on the use of archival materials and on pointers related to finding materials related to the subject in question.

While students in classes are generally accorded the same status as individual researchers it is possible that some of the normal services provided to individuals will not be available to members of a class. In many cases students who are part of a class will not be allowed to photocopy from the records. In cases where a specific group of records is being used classes may be asked to work from photocopies of the originals to decrease the wear and tear on the collection.

Bibliographic Instruction in the Use of Primary Sources

The Archives and Special Collections Staff is available for in-class instruction on finding and using primary sources. Bibliographic instruction sessions generally run about 45 minutes and consist of a discussion on what primary sources are, where to find them (archives, libraries, historical societies, etc.)and the basic bibliographic tools available for finding primary sources (both on-line and paper based). Presentations can be tailored to particular subjects.

Reference Requests: Mail and E-mail

The Archives and Special Collections welcomes requests from researchers by mail and email (archives@mtholyoke.edu). Researchers can generally expect responses within one to two weeks of submitting a request. Due to limited staff the Archives and Special Collections can only devote 30 minutes to any one request. If the request is complicated, the reply may consist only of confirmation that the information is available to answer the question. In such cases it is up to the researcher to make arrangements to either do the research or hire an outside service to do the research. Individuals wishing to visit the Archives and Special Collections are asked to call ahead and make an appointment. Research services available include:

At Your Service in the Field of Scholarly Research:
Tel: (413) 369-4919
FAX: (413) 369-4953
(A commercial research service provided by Carroll Durand, Ph D.)

Better-Me-Than-You Research Services:
Tel: (413) 369-0117
E-mail: mcclinto@shaysnet.com
(A commercial research service provided by Mary McClintock, MHC, Class of 1978)

University of Massachusetts
Department of History
Tel: University Main Number (413) 545-0111
E-Mail: history@history.umass.edu
(The University History Department can sometimes supply names and addresses of graduate students who might be willing to conduct research for a fee)

Photocopying Policy

Ordinarily, photocopying from Archives and Special Collections material will be performed by the staff. All photocopies are made for one-time personal use by the researcher. Photocopies will only be made if it is determined by the staff that the process will not damage the materials in question. In general, the Archives and Special Collections will not provide copies of entire collections. Photocopying will be completed as time allows and the Archives and Special Collections makes no guarantee that copies will be completed during the researchers visit.

There is a limit of 50 copies per researcher per calendar year. A researcher may petition for permission to exceed this limit.

Charges:

  The fee for photocopies is 0.20 per sheet. An additional fee of $3.00 (orders under 25 pages) or $5.00 (orders over 25 pages) will be charged for any photocopies mailed to a researcher.

The Archives and Special Collections reserves the right not to accept a photocopy order if, in the staff's judgement, fulfilling the order will involve violation of United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) For further information please see our copyright statement and our Rules, Regulations and Policies.

Digital Reproduction of Photographs and Texts

Digital reproductions of photographs and texts are available upon request. Because preservation of its materials is a paramount concern, Archives and Special Collections reserves the right to decline to digitize materials, or to limit the amount of material that can be safely digitized.

To order an image, download and print the Digital Image Request Form and mail to Archives and Special Collections. Requests are processed once a completed and signed form and payment (checks only) is received. Images will be burned to a compact disc or sent electronically through e-mail. Please allow two- three weeks for reproduction and mailing. Rush orders will be considered on an individual basis and will result in an additional charge.

Oversize, photograph prints, or special orders will be done by an outside contractor chosen by the Archives and Special Collections. All payment for reproductions must be made to the outside contractor in advance. Please contact Archives and Special Collections by email (archives@mtholyoke.edu) to request the order of a special order print.

In most cases, reproductions are made for one time personal use by the researcher. No photographic or text reproductions (physical or electronic) may be published or made publicly available without the prior permission of the Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections. The Archives and Special Collections reserves the right not to accept a copy order if, in the staffs judgement, fulfilling the order will involve violation of United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) For further information please see our copyright statement and our Rules, Regulations and Policies.

Loans Policy

While most materials in the Archives and Special Collections do not circulate and must be used in the reading rooms, several collections and College publications are available on microfilm which researchers may borrow for a limited period of time. In addition, some collections or portions of collections and the College Catalog 1837-1901are available on-line as part of the Five College Digital Access Project.