What is Special Collections?
Who can use the materials in Special Collections?
Can I come in and browse?
May I keep my coat and bag at my desk?
Why can't I use pen?
Can I photocopy books from Special Collections?
Are you open evenings and weekends? What are your hours?
Can I study here?
How do I find out if Special Collections has books on my topic of research?
How many items may I examine at a time?
When are materials due back for reshelving?
Is there a fee involved, for questions from organizations outside Wellesley College?


What is Special Collections?
Special Collections houses printed books and manuscripts that do not circulate, either because of their age, condition, unique research value, or association history.

Who can use the materials in Special Collections?
Faculty, students, staff of Wellesley College, and visitors with a valid topic of research. All new patrons must register and show a photo-ID.

Can I come in and browse?
Yes, one can look at the display cases and browse the bookshelves. The books are behind glass, so if you want to see one, you need to register as a reader first.

May I keep my coat and bag at my desk?
No, coats and bags must be left in lockers. Please ask for a key at the desk.

Why can't I use pen?
Because ink marks will permanently damage a rare book; pencil is reversible.

Can I photocopy books from Special Collections?
Photocopying is generally not possible, due to the fragility of old books. Limited photocopying will sometimes be available, at a cost of 10 cents per page (10 pages maximum), with the approval of the Special Collections Librarian, if the condition of the material allows it. Microfilms, photographs, and scans may sometimes be arranged, also depending upon the condition of the material. There is a fee for such duplication.

Are you open evenings and weekends? What are your hours?
We are not open evenings and weekends, and our hours are 10-12, and 1-4:30 Monday through Friday during the semester. Other hours can vary, so call (781) 283-2129 for information.

Can I study here?
No, due to staffing and security constraints, we can allow only readers who need to use the materials in Special Collections.

How do I find out if Special Collections has books on my topic of research?
All of the materials in Special Collections, except for post-1600 manuscripts, are cataloged and in the Online Catalog. You may search by author, title, subject, keyword, and call number.

How many items may I examine at a time?
You may have up to three items at one time at your desk. One completed call slip is necessary for each item you wish to view.

When are materials due back for reshelving?
Five minutes before closing time.

Is there a fee involved, for questions from organizations outside Wellesley College?
For organizations external to Wellesley College, there is no charge for the first hour of staff time to answer a question or prepare materials for a photographic or microfilm request. However, photographic, microfilm, and photocopy requests do incur charges for the duplication of material.