Who may use the Lear Center?

Our primary constituency is the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Connecticut College. However we are happy to accommodate all researchers and visitors.

How do I get materials?

Lear Center collections are in closed stacks and do not circulate. They must be retrieved by Lear Center staff and used in the reading room. We ask that you fill out a registration form and show photo ID before you receive your materials.

Why do I need to fill out a registration form?

Because of their rarity and value, we are obligated to provide an additional layer of security for our materials.

Do I need an appointment?

Not necessarily. Please note, however, that there are over a hundred separate collections. Because materials can only be retrieved by Lear Center staff, it may take some time to fill your request. You may therefore wish to contact us in advance to ensure that your materials are ready for you when you arrive.

How can I get reproductions of Lear Center materials?

Requests may be made in person, by phone, or by email. Small requests for photocopies can frequently be filled while you wait, though larger requests for photocopies or digital images may require a week or more to fill. For more information on reproductions, please see our services page.

Who curates exhibitions?

Most exhibitions are curated by Lear Center staff. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to mount exhibitions on their own stemming from their own research. Researching and mounting an exhibition can be a time-consuming project and Lear Center staff are happy to walk you through the process.

This isn't valuable. Why is it here?

Materials may be kept in Special Collections for any number of reasons. Some items are here because they are valuable; others because they are rare and difficult to replace if lost or damaged. Some items are kept here because of their old age, fragility, or awkward format. Still others are kept in Special Collections because they form an important part of a larger collection.

How much is my book worth?

I don't know. The Rare Books and Manuscripts section of the American Library Association maintains an excellent site called Your Old Books with many answers about what kinds of books are valuable and how to locate an appraiser.

Do you have a Friends of the Library group?

We do. Donations from the Friends of the Library help make possible lectures, receptions, scholarships, and the acquisition and preservation of rare materials for Special Collections & Archives. Visit the Friends of the Library website.