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Special Collections and Vance University Archives
Welcome
Located on the main level of the Owen D. Young Library, this department is responsible for the rare book, manuscript, and photograph collections of St. Lawrence University. Special Collections also houses the Vance University Archives. While our collections support research in a variety of fields, we consider our collections to be primarily undergraduate teaching resources.
This area contains over 120 manuscript collections, comprising 1500 linear feet of material, plus a number of individual manuscript items. Each of these collections is described in brief on ODYsseus the Libraries’ online catalog. Additionally, many have detailed, searchable finding aids. Others will be added to this list as they are completed.
Guidelines for Use of Collections
Anyone is welcome to use the special collections and archives. If you are coming from out-of-town, we would prefer that you contact us ahead of time so that we can make any necessary preparations, but if that is not possible, please feel free to visit anyway. Before using the collections, you will be required to present valid identification and fill out a request to examine specific materials. None of the items in these collections circulate, and all must be used within our reading room. Users are welcome to bring laptop computers. If you are taking notes manually, you must use only pencils--no ball-point or fountain pens are allowed.
Resources for Faculty
Special Collections materials inspire students by adding another dimension to their understanding of ideas and texts. Books, documents, maps and photographs-- in their original or early formats-- offer additional “texts” (sometimes called paratext) for students to consider. Plus they are just plain fun. Just ask! Play stump-the-librarian! In recent years we have worked with classes in Economics, English, History, Fine Arts, Global Studies, Sociology, and the First Year Program. We have items and collections that are of interest to disciplines across the curriculum, and we can:
- Prepare specialized resource lists of materials available for particular courses & subjects.
- Host class visits in the Special Collections Reading room to introduce your classes to our resources and effective ways to use them.
- Assist you in designing assignments that use our materials.
- Assist students in ongoing research projects using our materials.
- Assist you in your own research by acquiring or locating specific materials.
Special Collections - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Special Collections?
Special Collections is the place in the general library where we keep any items that are scarce, fragile, or valuable. Additionally we have a number of subject collections. Any type of library material that meets the above criteria can be found in special collections, such as printed books, journals, newspapers, maps, atlases, photographs, reports, diaries, correspondence, etc.
Where is Special Collections?