This guide is intended to help you find inspiration for your primary source analysis assignment for WGS 1200. We have included some suggestions from published and manuscript sources held here at the Schlesinger Library, and we encourage you to explore the HOLLIS catalog to search for other materials that spark your interest.
We have also included some details to be aware of before visiting the Schlesinger Library.
Please be aware that many of our collections are stored offsite, and some have permissions requirements. You must request offsite materials at least one day in advance. If you get a request in to the library before 3:00 PM, it will usually be available for you the next day. The process and time needed to obtain permissions varies.
Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions. There is always a research librarian available for questions and consultation during the Library's open hours, and you can contact us any time using the Ask a Schlesinger Librarian online form.
The Schlesinger Library is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 to 5:00, with the Reading Room closing at 4:45. Any closures will be listed on our Visit the Library page.
Working at an archives or special collections library may be different from your past library experiences. For instance, there are certain personal belongings that cannot be brought into the research space. We provide lockers for secure storage which you can use when you register on the first floor.
Items that must be left in the lockers include:
The Library provides paper and pencils for taking notes, and laptops, tablets, cameras, and phones are permitted. A full list of what can be brought up to the research space is made available to you during the registration process. If you have questions about whether a certain item can be brought into the Reading Room, please just ask!
When you are in the Reading Room, we'll ask you to handle the materials carefully and to keep the documents in their original order. By doing this you will be part of our effort to make sure that these materials continue to be available to future researchers.
Document cameras (Hovercams) are available at the tables in the Reading Room. These are essentially small-scale overhead scanners which are provided so you can image the materials if you don't have your phone or a camera. More information about the Hovercams can be found in the Hovercam guide.
If any questions come up during your visit, please do not hesitate to ask us - we're here to help!