The robust primary sources in Special Collections are fully integrated into the teaching and educational mission of Smith College. More than 100 unique classes are hosted every year across disciplines and divisions within, and outside of, the Five College community.

Collaborating with us can take many forms, from object-centered lectures to group discussion based upon students’ firsthand examination of documents. Course assignments using materials from Special Collections may include everything from research papers and publications to translations, creative performances, and interactive websites. We look forward to exploring the possibilities with you and can customize instruction to your course topic.

Expert curators and archivists on staff teach a dozen credit courses, particularly for the Archives Concentration and Book Studies Concentration. Capstone projects in the concentrations often include symposia, oral histories, and exhibitions that take the archives public.

Other groups, including high school and Five College classes, take advantage of Smith College’s 26,000 linear feet of manuscripts and 46,000 rare books. Special meetings, lectures, workshops, and seminars for outside groups of activists and book artists in the community enhance the offerings of Special Collections every year.

Special Collections was also part of a collaboration between Smith College and edX to offer MOOC courses, which increase access to Smith's primary resources worldwide.

Scheduling a Class Visit

For assistance in scheduling a class visit, please contact the relevant staff person below. If you're not sure who to contact, please call 413-585-2970 or email specialcollections@smith.edu. We look forward to exploring the possibility of collaboration.