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Archives and Special Collections

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Mission

Archives and Special Collections is the official repository for Springfield College records having permanent historical, legal, fiscal, or administrative value. The primary mission of the College Archives is to appraise, collect, organize, describe, preserve, and make available records documenting the history of Springfield College. In addition Archives and Special Collections collects primary source material that supports the research interests and Humanics philosophy of the College. Subject areas of long-term interest to the College include the YMCA, physical education, sport and recreation, camping, and youth/community work.



The Springfield College Archives and Special Collections at the Brennan Center houses a rich collection of materials documenting the history of Springfield College from its first days as the School for Christian Workers and the International YMCA Training School to the present day. In addition to institutional and alumni records, there are special collections of rare books, publications, and manuscripts focused on the areas of physical education, physical training, the YMCA and Olympic movements, amateur and recreation sports. Springfield College Archives and Special Collections is also the repository for the national AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance)and the Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection. The archives also acts as the depository for campus theses, dissertations, research projects, and selected serial back runs.

Information about currently cataloged items in the Archives and Special Collections at the Brennan Center is available by searching Voyager, the library's online catalog. Selected items and collections are also available in electronic form.

Springfield College Archives and Special Collections is open to all interested users -- students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and outside researchers. Use of archives and special collections is by appointment only.

Humanics
AAHPERD Collection
Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection
Archives and Special Collections - Policies

IMLS Grant (Historical Image Collection)


For more information about Babson Library's Archives and Special Collections contact the Archivist either in person, by phone (413-748-3309) or by using the Ask the Archives! form.

You may request materials from the Archives and Special Collections by using our Archives Request form.
Policies General Policy
Materials located in the Brennan Center (Archives/Rare Books/Special Collections) are those designated by the Library staff as valuable and/or not replaceable. Archive materials are those related to Springfield College. All College generated information items are considered proper items to be collected for the Springfield College Archives, exceptions must be approved by the College Archivist or Library Director. Call numbers for Archives/Rare Books/Special Collections materials are located on Voyager catalog.

Archives/Rare Books/Special Collections materials are not available for loan.

Photocopying will only be allowed if the materials are deemed suitable for copying by the Archivist. Archivist or Library staff will do all photocopying and applicable fees will apply.

Searching the Collections
All the materials at Brennan are cataloged and searchable on Voyager catalog. The location information on a Voyager record will identify which collection the item belongs to and where it is housed.

AAHPERD is searchable as a separate Voyager collection. Searching AAHPERD follows the same procedures as searching the main library collection on the Voyager online catalog.

The Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection is searchable from its own web site. Postcards in the collection can be searched by title, subject, or location (city, state, or nation). Full color images of all the cards are available for viewing.

Requesting Material from the Brennan Center
You may request materials from the Archives and Special Collections by using our Archives Request form.

Staff at Brennan will evaluate whether the requested item can be sent over to Babson or whether it must be used at Brennan. Patron will be contacted to inform them where the materials may be acquired. If the materials are to be used at the Brennan Center, an appointment must be made with the Archivist (413) 748-3309 to view the materials there.

Thesis/Dissertation Requests: Check if there is a circulating, microfiche or online copy available before requesting a thesis housed at Brennan. The library has multiple copies of most theses and dissertations, and many are also available online.

Journal Requests: Check that the volume and year needed are at Brennan and not in the library or available online. You may make journal requests from the Archives and Special Collections by using our Archives Request form.

AAHPERD Requests: Many materials in the AAHPERD collection are housed in several archival boxes. Check the Table of Contents screen of the Voyager Record to identify which box or item is needed. For books and other publications in the AAHPERD collection, check the main library on Voyager online catalog. Many AAHPERD publications are also available in the library’s circulating collection.

USING MATERIALS FROM THE BRENNAN CENTER
Most materials will be used at the Brennan Center by appointment. Those that can be used at Babson Library will be delivered to the Administrative Assistant's office and placed on a hold shelf. Patron will be contacted to inform them where the materials may be acquired.

All requested materials must be used under supervision of a member of the Library staff in a designated area in Babson Library between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - noon. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No bookbags are allowed and only pencils may be used for note taking.


For more information about Babson Library's Archives and Special Collections contact the Archivist either in person, by phone (413-748-3309) or by using the Ask the Archives! form.

You may request materials from the Archives and Special Collections by using our Archives Request form.
Policies