Welcome to our FAQ!

Click on the questions below to reveal the answer.

Don't see your question, or need additional help? Chat Live with one of our librarians, or send your in-depth question to Ask-A-Librarian. Both links can be found in the "Contact Us" section of this page's navigation.


How do I Find Manuscripts?
How Do I Find Photographs?
Photographs are found in many of our archival collections. You can search our manuscript collections here. For a list of archival collections, go here. Some photographs have been digitized and are available in our Digital Collections.

 
How Do I Find USM History Information?
Special Collections has a large collection of materials that document the history of the University of Southern Mississippi. The Southern Miss History research guide is a great place to start your research. Many of our materials relating to the history of the University can be found in our Digital Collections. If you need additional assistance, send a request to Ask-A-Librarian

 
Can I Use My Digital Camera or Scanner?
Digital cameras without a flash may be used in the reading room. The photographs are for research only and cannot be used in publications. Patrons will need to complete a digital photography form while taking pictures. Scanners are not allowed in Special Collections. Digital reproductions for research and publication can be ordered for a fee. More information can be found here.

 
How Do I Request Photocopies or Scans?
Patrons may request photocopies or scans of images for publication. On-site patrons pay $0.10/page with off-site patrons paying $0.25/page. For every 100 photocopies, there is a $5 service charge.

Patrons may request photocopies or scans of images for publication. On-site patrons pay $0.10/page with off-site patrons paying $0.25/page for photocopies. For every 100 photocopies, there is a $10 service charge. There is a $3.00 service charge for all photocopy orders with additional charges for international shipping.

A limited number of low resolution pdf scans may also be requested at $0.50/page with a maximum of 50 scans. These scans may be used for research only.

To request photocopies or scans, please contact Special Collections.



What Are Your Guidelines for Using Special Collections?
To find out more about using materials in Special Collections go to our "Visit Us" page.

 
How Do I Cite Special Collections Materials?
Books are cited according to the citation style required for your paper or publication. The format for citing manuscript material can be found in our Guidelines for Use.
 
Who Holds Copyright on Manuscript Materials?
Special Collections holds the copyright to very few collections. The copyright to the majority of the materials are held by the creator. For further assistance, Ask-a-Librarian.

 
Does Special Collections Do Appraisals?
Regulations of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service prohibit libraries from appraising donations to their collections. If donors wish to obtain an appraisal for tax purposes, they must enlist a third-party appraiser. Appraisals must be completed prior to Special Collections taking possession of the donated material. Special Collections employees do not recommend appraisers; donors may locate appraisers through the American Society of Appraisers.

 
How Do I Donate Materials?
We continually accept donations to Special Collections. Below is the contact information of each curator in the library. For additional information, please take a look at our donations page.

Jennifer Brannock, Curator of Rare Books & Mississippiana
601.266.4347



Ellen Ruffin, Curator of the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection
601.266.6543



Lorraine A. Stuart, Head of Special Collections & Curator of Historical Manuscripts & Archives
601.266.4117