Archives and Special Collections - Dodd Research Center (A University of Connecticut Library)
Details
- Type
- Library
- Web site
- http://www.lib.uconn.edu/online/research/speclib/ASC/about/about.htm
- Amenities
- wifi
- Description:
- From their website:
The Special Collections Department in the Wilbur Cross Library at the University of Connecticut was established in 1965 when Richard Schimmelpfeng, of Washington University, was recruited to the staff by then director John P. McDonald. Created to house rare books, manuscripts, the university's archives, and other materials needing special care and housing, the department grew rapidly for more than a decade.
In 1978, the Homer Babbidge Library replaced the Wilbur Cross Library as the University's main library, and Special Collections moved to the new building. By that time, the collections had grown to such proportions that it seemed appropriate to create a separate unit to deal with the special requirements of archival and manuscript materials. Accordingly, the Department of Historical Manuscripts & Archives was established under the direction of Rand Jimerson, occupying space in the Wilbur Cross building that had been vacated by Special Collections.
In the 1980s, the collections of both operations continued to expand and the potential for Historical Manuscripts & Archives to fulfill the important role of helping to preserve original materials that document the state's history became evident. Eventually the idea of a new research center devoted to this purpose attracted the attention and support of Senator Christopher Dodd (the center is named for his late father, Senator Thomas J. Dodd).
Planning for the new research center began in earnest in the early 1990s. The center was originally envisioned as a home for archival and manuscript collections only but it quickly became apparent that important economies in staffing would be realized by recombining Special Collections with Historical Manuscripts & Archives and planning proceeded on that basis. State funding for the $10 million project was secured and more than $1.5 million in private funds was raised to support the ongoing program of the center.
The Archives and Special Collections are maintained by the University of Connecticut library system.
A full alphabetical list of the collections held at the Dodd Research Center can be found here. - Added By
- Ambrosia4
- Contacted
- Not contacted
- Venue ID
- 37317
- Edit Venue