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Library DIY

Using Archives in My Research

Welcome to Special Collections and Archives!

Special Collections and Archives is located on the second floor of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library (205). 

Smiling staff member sits behind table to the left of Special Collections and Archives' open doors. Many archives curate material related to a specific topic or theme. We collect material related to the history and development of the South Texas region, which can take many forms: history, urban studies, literature, folklore, art, photography, government, sociology, education, the sciences, and more!

 

We are open five days a week, Monday - Friday from 8AM-5PM. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. 

Monday 8AM to 5PM
Tuesday 8AM to 5PM
Wednesday 8AM to 5PM
Thursday 8AM to 5PM
Friday 8AM to 5PM
Saturday and Sunday Closed
Holidays  Check the Library Hours for updates!

☎️ Call us: 361-825-4500

📨 Email: specialcollections@tamucc.edu

🛜 Check out our website

 

🐌 📬

Mary and Jeff Bell Library

Special Collections and Archives

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5702

Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5702

On our website you will find three links: finding aids, print collections, and digital items.

 

Screenshot of SCA website that says "Search our collections" with three links: finding aids, print collections, digital repository

 

Search Finding Aids: 

A Finding Aid is a document that describes an archival collection. Although the Finding Aid may be unfamiliar to you at first, most follow a similar structure that will help you determine which collection you want to use. Each Finding Aid will have the collection title and number, the dates covered in the collection, an abstract or brief overview, biographical material, and information about how the collection is organized.

 

➡️Click here for a quick tutorial on using ArchivesSpace⬅️

Search Print Collections: 

Special Collections and Archives has several book collections. Some are named after the people who donated them, such as the Dr. Clotilde Garcia Book collection. These books came from Dr. Garcia's personal library. Our Texas book collection holds books on all sorts of subjects - biography, art, architecture, history, wildlife, and more! 

 

➡️Click here for a quick tutorial on searching our Print Collections⬅️

Search Digital Repository:

Our digital repository features select items from collections that have been digitized and made available online. Our digital collections can be searched by individual collection or key term.

 

➡️Click here for a quick tutorial on using DSpace.⬅️

You've looked at our Finding Aids and you found material, or you want to visit for help with a research project. Great! Let's plan your visit. 

Know where you're going: We are in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library on the second floor. We are open M-F 8-5. 

Email or call (361) 825-4500 to make an appointment: Appointments aren't necessary, but they can help, especially if you would like to have items ready to view when you visit or need assistance with a research project. 

What to expect:

  • You will fill out a Registration Form when you arrive. 
  • We're chill - literally. Environmental controls (cooler temperature, lower humidity) help protect our collections. Bring a jacket!
  • Hold the snacks - You can bring in paper, pencil, laptop and cell phone. We ask that you store everything else in the locker we provide.

We're here to help. Here are some items we might provide: 

  • Gloves for handling photographs and negatives 
  • scratch paper and pencils for notes 
  • book pillows to support the spines of bound material 
  • computer assistance - bring your laptop or log in to one of our computers! We're happy to show you around. 

 

We want to hear from you!