Specific collections are described here. For ideas on finding primary sources within the libraries' holdings, see Search for Primary Sources.

Smith College Archives

The Smith College Archives documents the history and life of the College by collecting materials created by students, faculty, and staff during their time here. The records in the College Archives can provide researchers with answers to specific questions or help them to understand broad social and cultural issues.

Sophia Smith Collection

The Sophia Smith Collection holds women's and family papers, archives of women's organizations, women's periodicals, photographs, posters, and other one-of-a-kind documents related to women; especially strong in 19th and 20th century U.S. reform movements and feminism.

The College Archives and the Sophia Smith Collection share space on Level A of Alumnae Gym. Enter through Neilson Library (accessible entrance) or directly through a lower-level entrance to the Gym off of Neilson Drive. See Directions & Parking for more information.

Mortimer Rare Book Room

The MRBR houses the college's rare books and literary manuscripts. Among the literary manuscripts are important collections of the papers of Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, and others. The MRBR is located on level 3 north in Neilson Library.

ADDITIONAL COLLECTIONS AT SMITH

Hillyer Art Library, Special Collections (Locked Stacks)

The approximately 2,500 items in the Special Collections (designated as Locked Stacks in the Five College Library Catalog) include Hillyer Art Library's collections of artists' books, manuscript facsimiles, and rare books and periodicals dating from the 18th century to the present.

Josten Library Treasure Cases

The Josten Performing Arts Library Treasure Cases collection contains collected critical editions, composers' complete works, and facsimiles. Manuscripts of Dr. Alfred Einstein and volumes of the Smith College Music Archives are housed here.

Neilson Library Government Documents Collections

Shelved primarily on level 2 north in Neilson Library, U.S. government and international agency materials include statistics and documents from the federal government, U.S. Congress, Census Bureau, and State Department. UN Official Records are housed in the Five College Depository and held on microfiche.

Science Library Map Room

The Class of 1935 Map Room in the Young Science Library houses over 150,000 U.S. Geological Survey, National Imagery and Mapping Agency (formerly the U.S. Defense Mapping Agency), and Canadian Geologic Survey topographic and geologic sheet maps, as well as manuscripts and other map products.

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