Archives and Special Collections: Reference Service
We assist researchers in accessing rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and university records housed in the library’s unique collections. Staff provide guidance on locating and using archival materials for scholarly, personal, and institutional research.
Let us help support your research
We will help you access and navigate the library’s rare and unique materials, including manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, and university records. Whether for academic research, personal projects, or institutional inquiries, the staff offers expert assistance in locating, interpreting, and using these valuable resources.
Not a part of the universtiy?
Special Collections welcomes questions from offsite patrons. Unfortunately, we are unable to spend more than ten minutes researching a question. For large research projects and complex questions, patrons are encouraged to visit Special Collections in person or contact us for information about researchers for hire in our area. Try our FAQ page, visit the archive, send us an email, or call.
Meet the Team
Greg Johnson
- Head of Special Collections, Blues Curator, and Professor
Jennifer Ford
- Senior Curator of Manuscripts and Professor
Leigh McWhite
- Political Papers Archivist and Professor
Joe Moody
- Special Collections Librarian (Audio Visual) and Assistant Professor of Library
Lauren Rogers
- Library Specialist I
Jeannie Speck Latartara
- University Archivist and Assistant Professor
Katherine Tutor
- Project Coordinator
Find us on the Map
From the West Entrance (fountain side): Enter the J.D. Williams Library and take the elevator or stairs to the third floor. Walk to the east side of the building, passing the Writing Center and Administrative Suite. Archives and Special Collections is through the glass doors at the end of the hall.
From the East Entrance (Lyceum side): Enter on the second floor, then take the stairs up to the third floor. The Archives and Special Collections is through the glass doors on your left.
Located on the third floor of the J.D. Williams Library, the Department of Archives and Special Collections houses important collections of Mississippiana. The department invites patron visits during our regular hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except during selected University holidays.
Please see also Ask Special Collections.
Get in touch with Archives and Special Collections
The Department of Archives & Special Collections contains archival papers, photographs, films, and sound recordings related to Mississippi, the Blues, the University of Mississippi, and the American South.
Archives and Special Collections
J.D. Williams Library, P.O. Box 1848 University MS, 38655