About Special Collections

The Special Collections Virtual Reading Room centralizes access to the varied collections held in McCain Library & Archives on the Hattiesburg campus of The University of Southern Mississippi. Search our primary source materials, click through an online exhibit, or link to valuable resources from one site. Exhibitions and Events features news & events and publicizes exhibits and other activities.

Learn more about the materials by going to the Collections page for summaries and links to the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, Manuscripts & Archives, Mississippiana, Rare Books and the Digital Lab. Genealogy books related to Mississippi are shelved in the reading room where researchers may browse the open stacks, examine files, and make photocopies.

The Research & Instruction page offers a search engine that locates items found in the online library catalog, and a unified search engine that searches materials housed in the various collections held in McCain Library & Archives. Links to online resources and internal pathfinders and finding aids are also provided.

All materials are accessed in person on the third floor in the Cleanth Brooks Reading Room (Room 305) and do not circulate. Reference requests are taken via the telephone, e-mail and regular mail.

McCain Library Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Donations

The USM Libraries welcome gifts of books, papers, records, and other items that would complement its research collections. Such materials are carefully preserved and available for research under supervision. Also appreciated are bequests through The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation that serve to support the programs and collections of the USM Libraries. For more information regarding donations, please view our Donating to Special Collections page.

For more information about conducting research in our Special Collections, see our Research and Instruction page.