Archives and Special Collections, J. D. Williams Library, University, MS 38677(662) 915-1595
Welcome to Archives and Special Collections at the University of Mississippi. Our principal mission is to acquire, preserve, and provide access to research materials that relate to Mississippi history and literature. By nature, some of these materials are rare, fragile, irreplaceable, or otherwise in need of protection. Please handle them with care and respect. Archives staff members are available to help readers locate material and information. Please do not hesitate to consult them.
1. Researcher Registration: The first time you request archival materials, you will be asked to fill out a registration form and present picture identification at the Service Desk. At the beginning of each year, patrons will need to complete a new registration form. Patrons using only the book collection need not fill out this form.
2. Requesting Materials: Special Collections materials cannot be checked out and the stacks are closed to the public. To request material for use in the Archives, complete a call slip for EACH title or manuscript collection and present the slip(s) at the Service Desk. Researchers are limited to 3 books or one manuscript boxat a time. Patrons must request manuscript collections at least one hour before closing time.
3. Rules for Duplication:
A. Please note that most manuscripts, sound recordings, photographs, and moving image material housed in Special Collections are protected under copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.)
B. Reproduction of material (photocopying, scanning, cameras) is allowed in Special Collections, subject to these restrictions:
- Flash photography may notbe used.
- Literary material in the collection that was written and/or published after 1900 may not be reproduced without the written permission of all rights owners.
- All copies (photocopies and digital materials) are to be used for private study, research,or scholarshippurposes only. Images may not be used for publication purposes without the researcher obtaining all necessary permissions. Obtaining copyright permission is the sole responsibility of the user.
- Special Collections may not allow patron duplication of archival material if that material is deemed too fragile or in need of preservation work.
- Copies are made for research and reference only. Copyright is not conveyed with this copy. Applicant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless SpecialCollections, the University of Mississippi, and all its agents and employees against all claims, damages, actions, judgments, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from any claims or allegations of invasion of privacy and/or rights to publicity and any claims arising from failure to obtain adequate permissions from the subjects in the material(s).
C. Maps cannot be reproduced.
D. Original photographs cannot be photocopied. However, digital access copies for research purposes can be made in most cases.See front desk for assistance.
E. Patrons cannot copy more than 15% of the contents of any one box in a manuscript collection.
F. Unprocessed collections are not available for patron use or any form of duplication until fully processed and open to the public. Timing of processing is at the discretion of the Head of Special Collections
