What kind of stuff is in the archives?

Our collections include manuscript materials (such as letters, diaries, photographs, meeting minutes) and selected published materials, including and specialized serials and book collections, and university records. The Collections by Subject page describes the Dodd Center's main areas of focus. 

Can I just come and look at items in the Dodd Center?

Yes and no.  We are open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public, but all of our materials must be used in the reading room between 10 am and 4 pm under the supervision of a reference archivist.  Unlike at Babbidge Library, our stacks are hidden, so you can't just browse through them. 

Instead, you tell the reference archivist what you want to look at, by providing either the collection name and box number or the call number and the archivist retreives the materials from the stacks and brings them out to you.

So, if I can't look in the stacks, how do I know what's there?

That's exactly what this guide is for!  We'll help you find materials for your research, and show you how to use our online finding aids (guides to the collections), and how to search for items in HOMER and on the Dodd Center's website.

First time visitors will need to register.  You can download the form and fill it out ahead of time, or simply come to the reference desk, and we'll give you the form then and go over everything you need to know!