Date: 16 July 2011

Location: Dickinson College, Waidner-Spahr Library, 333 West High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 17013

Contact Details: Jim Gerencser, Archivist, or Malinda Triller, Special Collections Librarian, archives@dickinson.edu, (717)245-1397, http://lis.dickinson.edu/library/ArchivesandSpecialCollections/

Language: English

General Information: The Archive in the Waidner-Spahr Library at Dickinson College is located on the first floor, one floor lower than the front entrance. The Archive is expansive and contains a wide variety of artifacts and documents, most on the history of the college. Other items of interest include a collection of 18^th century books, one of fewer than ten extant personal colonial libraries in America, letters and correspondence pertaining to alumnus President James Buchanan, plus a sizeable collection relating to Three Mile Island. Waidner-Spahr Special Collections also contains an artifact exhibit connected to Benjamin Rush.

The Archive’s website has a detailed description of many of its documents and was easy to use. I contacted Mr. Gerencser over a month before my visit, but I do not know that it is necessary to do so, as the online finding aids were very detailed. After my arrival, I waited no more than two minutes for my research materials to be pulled. The entire staff was attentive and constantly made sure that I was comfortable and had all that I needed. I was not only able to easily access the records I needed for my research but was allowed a tour of the Archive, which has a “hands on” policy, and was allowed a look at many spectacular items.

Hours: I believe the typical summer hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Fall and Spring semester hours running a bit later.

General Working Conditions: One is asked to leave any bags, food, or drinks in a locker when arriving. Pencils must be used and several are provided at each table with pencil sharpeners located at the front desk. Several tables with four chairs each line the side of the room with adequate lighting and an overhanging lamp at each table (be careful and do not bump your head as I did several times when I jumped up too quickly). The staff is very helpful, friendly, and always ready to help should you need anything. I know of no limit as to how many documents one can view at once, and I was able to leave my documents on my table overnight.

Policy on Technology: I was able to use my laptop and camera while looking at documents.

Photocopy Policy: There are scanners available for use and photocopies are ten cents a page. When I requested a copy of a couple of reports, they offered to email me the documents if it would be convenient to me (and it saved me money), so I assume that option is available for some documents, as well.

Particularities: The library contains a small coffee shop, the Biblio Café, which has drinks, yogurt, fruit, and some pastries. Dickinson College and the library are located in the downtown area, and a short walk would take one to several restaurants, bars, and shops. Carlisle is a lovely town with an interesting history dating at least back to the Revolutionary War and is worthy of exploring.

Carlisle also contains the Cumberland County Historical Society and Hamilton Library at 21 North Pitt Street. I would suggest contacting the Historical Society before arriving to research, although I did so and never actually received my requested documents. The Society also houses a small museum on the top floor, and photography is not allowed. I asked for permission before I realized that it was not allowed but permission was readily granted by the curator as long as the photographs were not relevant to my research and if I did not use flash.