Mark H. McCormack Collection

We have the Mark H. McCormack Sports Management Collection in Special Collections and University Archives on the 25th Floor.

Interesting Library Videos from Special Collections and University Archives

Here are the links:

UMass tower library closes and moves to temporary location, 1979
http://credo.library.umass.edu/view/full/murg186_4-i00013

UMass research library: heart of a great university, 1992
http://credo.library.umass.edu/view/full/murg186_100-i00096

Ceremony for filing the last card and closing the catalog: University Library, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, February 25, 1994
http://credo.library.umass.edu/view/full/murg186_100-i00131

What shoud I do if one of the other library desks is not staffed?

If it is supposed to be staffed then have the patron check back in a few minutes. It could be possible that the staff at the desk are away helping someone at the moment. If they don't come back then give the patron the main number for the desk...

Circ/Reserves/ Desk 545-2623
LC Desk (Library staff) 577-1272
IT 545-9400
Reference Desk 545-0150
Info Desk 577-0840
Media & Microforms 577-0612
Maps 545-2397
Library Office 545-0284
Government Documents 545-2765
Learning Resource Center 545-5334
Special Collections and University Archives 545-2780
Faculty Commons 545-0069

Why is the library named after W.E.B. Du Bois?

The library is named for W.E.B. Du Bois because we have all of his papers in Special Collection and University Archives. He was also a local, being born in Great Barrington Massachusetts.

If a patron wants to know more (or if you do, no judgement) there is a handout about the student movement that resulted in the renaming of the Library in the 1990s. They can also visit the 25th Floor Reading Room to speak with an archivist if they want more information.

What floor are the Music Scores on?

All Music Scores have a call number starting with M (for music) so they would be on the 6th Floor. You may want to let students know about the LC Desk if they are looking for scores. I am not sure how easy it is to browse for scores.

There are also scores held by Special Collections on the 25th Floor. If they need help with those, send them to the reading room on 25.

How does Special Collections work? How can a patron make an appointment with a librarian in that department? Is it closed to the on the weekends?

Special Collections has the hours located on the Library Hours Sheet. They are open Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm. They are not open weekends and holidays. So bascially if they are open people just come and have acces to the collection. I don't believe they will open the floor for an appointment but someone could try calling the Head of Special Collections Rob Cox at 413-545-6842 or email rscox@library.umass.edu .Special collections LINK

Where are the undergraduate theses kept?

The honors theses (aka Capstone Experience or Theses) are part of the 25th Floor in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA). Send them to the reading room to request materials from an archivist.

Can you check out materials from Special Collections? -Jena

No. Special Collections is a non-circulating collection. Many of the items in this collection are one of a kind, extremely rare or extremely valuable.

Where is the W.E.B. Du Bois display? -Jena

There used to be a display in the Lobby but the pictures were taken away because the sunlight was damaging them. Patrons would be able to visit the 25th Floor for W.E.B. Du Bois information and materials. There is also information and an online gallery HERE.

How do you get a book in Special Collections when no one is working on the 25th Floor? What does Special Collections mean?

Special Collections and University Archives is a non-circulating collection. The reason for this is because what is stored on the 25th Floor is usually rare and valuable. Many of the items in the collection are one of a kind. If someone needs something from the 25th Floor they must use or look at the item on the 25th Floor. The items on the floor do not leave the room. They also have strict policies on what you can use and take in to the viewing room with you. Someone must come to use Special Collection items when they are open, which is Monday through Friday, 9:30am - 5pm.

For more information check out their website HERE!

Where are the Archives?

Special Collections and Archives is on the 25th Floor. There hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30am-5pm.

Can you take out any books from Special Collections?

No, the Special Collections and Archives Floor does not circulate. You are allowed to view any materials on the 25th Floor when they are open but nothing can be taken out.