Special Collections Research Center

Student editing video at a workstation in the Media Center
Special Collections

Special Collections

Location: First floor of Swem Library (Map)
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Email: spcoll@wm.edu
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Today's Hours: Closed

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Spotlight

An airport terminal with passengers seated and walking.

Manuscripts

Ivy Li '23 Photograph, Documenting Life During COVID-19

This collection of personal reflections and experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic includes this photo taken on March 21st at Los Angeles International Airport. "Although it was midnight, the airport was full of people waiting to board on planes. Most of them were going to return to their home countries."

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Surgical kit

Manuscripts

Jefferson H. Clark Collection

The Jefferson H. Clark collection contains a variety of materials from Clark’s service in World War I, including photographs, documents, Clark’s helmet, and this surgical kit. 

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Headshot of Satoshi Ito

Oral Histories

Satoshi Ito Oral History Interview

Professor Ito shares his experience in a Relocation Center in Arkansas during World War II, the evolution of W&M's Department of Sociology, and his volunteer efforts with the Anti-Racism Commission, Diocese of Southern Virginia, the New Kent County Democratic Committee, and the Human Rights Committee of Eastern State Hospital. 

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The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Swem Library connects students, faculty, and researchers with rare and unique materials, including: 

  • original manuscripts 
  • photographs 
  • rare books 
  • maps 
  • audiovisual media 
  • and more 

Special Collections is open to all researchers for onsite research, but with limited capacity in our reading room. We strongly encourage requesting an appointment to ensure that we will be able to accommodate your visit. We may need to limit your appointment to two hours depending on demand. Please email us at spcoll@wm.edu with requests for appointments, research consultations, and any other questions.

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Highlights from the Archives

An Acquired Taste

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Enhancement of a collection lost in the 1705 library fire

A book on the fascinating history of the W&M library was published by John M. Jennings in 1968 - The Library of The College of William and Mary in Virginia, 1693-1793.

 

SCRC Research Travel Grants Program Returns for 2025-2026

The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) of William & Mary Libraries is pleased to announce that it will award travel grants to faculty members, graduate students, and/or independent researchers to support research use of its collections. Writers, creative and performing artists, filmmakers, and journalists are welcome to apply.

Current Exhibit

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Green-toned image of the Roman Colosseum

Classical Studies

Scholarship on Display

On display: April 18, 2025 - April 5, 2026

Location: Swem Entrance Gallery

Classical Studies faculty members study and teach the languages, history, and archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean, and emphasize critical thinking and communication skills. They are actively engaged in research, with expertise on archaeology, art history, cultural and social history, religion, ancient science, and Greek and Roman literature.