Special Collections and Archives

Welcome to the Knox College Seymour Library Archives and Special Collections

Mission

Knox College Archives and Special Collections is dedicated to providing access to unique materials that highlight and demonstrate our community's diversity. Through primary source materials and various teaching methods, we aim to make education accessible and foster connections to the past. We acknowledge past limitations and actively work towards a more inclusive archival practice, including representation of underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Visiting Instructions for the Archives

Welcome to Special Collections and Archives! We are pleased to provide access to our collections and support your research endeavors. Below are instructions for visiting the archives:

Access:
Access to the archives is open to all researchers during our normal operating hours. No appointments are required. Researchers are welcome to visit at their convenience. While it is not required, we do recommend that researchers visiting the archives contact us ahead of time so we can ensure the materials you need are available and ready when you arrive. 

Research Support:
Our knowledgeable staff members are available to provide research support and assistance to visitors. Whether you need help navigating our collections, locating specific materials, or understanding our policies and procedures, our staff is here to help. We strive to offer comprehensive reference services to enhance your research experience.

Procedure:

• Arrival: Upon arrival, please sign in at the archives desk. 
• Orientation: If you are a first-time visitor or require assistance, we recommend checking in with our staff for a brief orientation to the archives and an overview of available resources.
• Exploration: Feel free to explore our collections at your own pace. Our staff will be available to assist you as needed. We have finding aids for our collections. 
• Reference Assistance: If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, please don't hesitate to approach our staff members. We are here to help you make the most of your research experience.
• Departure: Before leaving, please return any materials to the paging desk and sign out at the archives.

Note:
Food and drinks are not permitted in the archives to ensure the preservation of our collections.
Please handle all materials with care and follow provided guidelines for their use. Photography and reproduction services are available for certain materials. Please inquire with our staff for more information.

Scheduling Information:

• Instructors are welcome to schedule class instruction time outside of regular hours with advance notice.
• Please provide a minimum of two weeks' notice for scheduling.
• The more lead time we have, the better we can prepare for your visit.
• Archives users may schedule appointments outside of regular hours.

Please contact us to set up an appointment at your convenience.

Contact Information:

For scheduling inquiries, appointments, or any additional information, please reach out to our Archives and Special Collections team:

For reference inquiries, please contact: specialcollections@knox.edu.

Email: specialcollections@knox.edu
Phone: 309-341-7568

Jason Connell
Archives Specialist 
Email: jconnell@knox.edu
309-341-7568

Joseph Taylor 
Archivist and Special Collections Librarian 
Email: jwtaylor@knox.edu 
Phone: 309-341-7383

We look forward to assisting you with your research.