Frequently Asked Questions

FINDING SOURCES/COMMON RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• How can I find out what's in the Sophia Smith Collection? Are your holdings described on the Web?

 

• Can I find digital collections on the Web? Why aren't more of your materials digitized?

 

• How do I find images? Do you have images on the Web?

 

• How do I contact someone who can help answer a question?

 

• Will SSC staff do research for me if I can't come there?

 

• I need to use primary sources for my paper. Where do I start?

 

• I need to pick a topic for my paper. What's the best way to start?

 

• Can you help me with my History Day project?

REFERENCE SERVICES AND PROCEDURAL QUESTIONS

• Who can use the SSC? Do I need to make an appointment?

 

• Why isn't the SSC open as many hours as the library?

 

• Can I get photocopies of archival materials?

 

• What other types of reproductions does the SSC offer?

 

• What is the turnaround time for photocopies and other reproductions?

 

• Can you e-mail documents to me?

 

• Why do digital scans cost so much?

 

• Can I use a digital camera or scanner in the reading room?

 

• Can I browse in the stacks?

 

• May I bring a laptop computer into the reading room? Do you have wireless access?

 

• How do I schedule a class or group visit to the SSC?

 

• Does the SSC loan materials? Why do I have to use materials in the SSC's reading room?

 

• How do I cite primary sources?

 

• When do I need permission to quote from or reproduce SSC material?

 

• How do I request permission to publish?

 

• How do I know if a work is under copyright or in the public domain?

 

• How do I identify the copyright holder?

 

• What is “fair use”?

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ARCHIVES AND THE SSC

• What is a primary source? An archives? A manuscript?

 

• How can I find out the value of some papers I have?

 

• Is there an archives that would want our family's papers or organization's records?

 

• What's the difference between the Sophia Smith Collection and the Smith College Archives?

 

• Do you have to have a Smith connection for your papers to be in the Sophia Smith Collection?

 

• Does the SSC accept donations? How do I contact someone about possibly donating papers to the SSC?

 

• What is the oldest item in the SSC?

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