Special Collections

Our collections are non-circulating. They may be used on site during regular hours or by appointment.

Patrons are asked to register when they arrive. A picture ID is required for all non-Colby patrons.

Personal belongings are to be left outside the reading room. A lockable cabinet is provided.

No food or drink is allowed in Special Collections.

Laptops may be used in the reading room. Extension cords and wireless Internet are available.

To help preserve our materials, Special Collections is climate-controlled. This means that our reading room has air conditioning, which is lovely in the summer but can get a little chilly during the winter. If you’re planning a visit, you might want to bring a sweater.

Patrons accept full responsibility for complying with laws protecting copyright and privacy rights.

Any patron wishing to publish from Special Collections materials agrees to obtain permission prior to publication from the assistant director for Special Collections, from all holders of copyright, and from other interested parties as applicable.

Selected manuscripts and pages from books may be copied for use in private research only if the items can stand the stress of copying. Special Collections reserves the right to limit the number of copies made for any patron.

Photocopies will be made with the understanding that they are solely for the convenience of the individual who requests them in order to facilitate research. They may not be consulted by or transferred to any other person or institution without written permission.

At the discretion of staff, materials may be scanned by staff or photographed by patrons using digital cameras. Digital images are solely for the convenience of the individual who requests them in order to facilitate research. They may not be consulted by or transferred to any other person or institution without written permission.

Reproduction Services

• Note: all photocopy and scan requests are subject to staff availability.

• Photocopying

  • Price per page: 10-15 cents

  • Charge for postage: $2.50 minimum

  • Page limit: 20 pages

  • Researcher must submit a formal request

• Scanning

  • Price per image: $3-5

  • Delivery via e-mail or CD (postage charged if CD is mailed)

  • Limit on number of images: 10-20 images total

  • Researcher must submit a formal request