Archives & Special Collections
Contact Information
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Elise Bochinski, Access Services Librarian and University Archivist
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(203) 254-4000 ext. 2892
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Reference Desk
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(203) 254-4000 ext. 2178
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About the Archives
The Fairfield University Archives serves as a research and resource center reflecting the history and activities of the University and Fairfield Preparatory School. The University Archives is a restricted-access collection of records and publications documenting the origins and development of Fairfield University. Among the Archives and Special Collections are catalogs, press releases, annual reports, correspondence, and photographs. Also included are student publications - newspapers, yearbooks, and literary magazines - as well as books and papers written by members of the faculty. Copies of audio and video recordings of campus events made by the Media Center are also retained here, as well as in the library's Media Department. The Archives is the depository for records of historical significance from University and Preparatory School offices.
The University Archives is housed and administered by the DiMenna-Nyselius Library. Policies governing access to and use of archival materials are in accordance with policies established by the Library, and take into account any restrictions placed on access by the donor or originating office that have been accepted by the Library.
Use of the Archives
Use of the Archives is primarily by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled during the week by contacting Elise Bochinski, University Archivist, at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2892, or by e-mail at ebochinski@mail.fairfield.edu. In addition, requests for archival and special collections material may be handled at the Reference Desk. The Reference staff may be reached by phone at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2178 or by e-mail at reference@mail.fairfield.edu.
General Procedures
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Patrons requesting archival materials must complete a request form, available at the Reference Desk, listing materials needed.
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The patron's ID or driver's license will be attached to the request form and held at the Reference Desk during use of the materials.
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A librarian will go to the Archives and/or Special Collections room, find the material, and bring the material requested to the Reference Desk.
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Material is for in-library use only.
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Material should be returned to the Reference Desk.
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The patron's ID will be returned immediately upon return of the materials being used.
Researchers wishing to do extended work in Archives or Special Collections may do so with special permission from the University Librarian, the Director of Library Services, or the University Archivist. Please see above information to schedule an appointment.
Yearbooks
There is a separate policy in effect regarding Fairfield University yearbooks (The Manor) and Fairfield Prep yearbooks (Hearthstone), both of which are held in the special collections room. Yearbooks should only be made available to Fairfield University students, alumni, staff and faculty. Student, staff and faculty status can be verified by checking the patron's ID card. Alumni status may be verified by checking the list of alumni which is kept behind the circulation desk. Any requests for yearbooks that come from patrons outside the university should be directed to Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2355 or Public Relations at (203) 254-4000 ext. 4190.
DARCroom: Digital Archives @ DiMenna-Nyselius Library
What is it
The DARCroom at http://digital.fairfield.edu is a digital image library based on material from the Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections. It contains photographs, newspapers, documents and memorabilia pertaining to the history of Fairfield University.
Why the DARCroom?
The acronym "DARCroom" - Digital
Archives - is actually connected in a concrete way to the history
of the library. In 1957, the library was actually housed on
the main floor of Canisius Hall. The head of the library, Rev. Francis
A. Small, S.J., was also an amateur photographer. It was Father
Small who got permission to create and maintain a darkroom in the
library. This was before the days of computers, color printers,
or even copy machines. Under Father Small's direction, the darkroom
functioned as a latter-day print shop - by photographing a typed
page and using a mimeograph machine, he printed programs and brochures
for a variety of university events. When the library moved to the
newly built Nyselius Library in 1968, the darkroom moved with it,
finding a home just behind what is now the circulation desk.
Although there is no longer a need for a physical darkroom in the library, there is instead an increasing need for information via the World Wide Web. The DiMenna-Nyselius Library seeks to fill this need by providing access to online resources - electronic journals, electronic books and databases - which connect us to historical information as well as current events. The aim of this collection is to provide a valuable historical resource for students, scholars, and the community at large. Hence our slogan: the DARCroom - bringing Fairfield University history to light.
Who can I contact about the DARCroom?
Please send all comments and feedback about the DARCroom
to digital@mail.fairfield.edu.
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