Using our Collections

Visiting the Lear Center

Although the Lear Center can handle walk-ins, we strongly encourage researchers to contact us in advance for an appointment. Please contact individual staff members directly or fill out a research request form. All materials are housed on campus, allowing for retrieval in less than 24 hours. In some circumstances we may be able to retrieve items for you while you wait, though it is always best for you to contact us in advance.  

All users will be required to fill out a registration form (which can be done in advance using the link provided), present school or government-issued identification, and review reading room regulations.

Materials must be used in the reading room. Researchers may have a notebook, laptop, and reference books on the table with materials. All notes must be taken in pencil. Researchers may request to have photocopies or scans made by Lear Center staff. In some cases, with staff permission, they may take photos with their smartphones for their own reference.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Appointments at the Linda Lear Center are not neccesary when classes are in sessions. However, there are over a hundred separate collections, so making an appointment is recommended. Scheduling will allow the staff to have the materials requested pulled for your arrvial.

Photoduplication

Reproductions

Lear Center staff will make reproductions of materials for patrons subject to copyright law and the condition of the materials. Staff reserve the right to reject requests when materials are too fragile or when filling the request would take an inordinate amount of staff time. Please use this form when filing a reproduction request. 

All digital reproductions will be scanned as either 300dpi JPEGs or PDF, unless otherwise requested. Reproductions will be delivered electronically, unless otherwise requested.

Fees

Non-Connecticut College affiliates

• Photocopies: $0.50/page; minimum $10.00 handling fee
• Other processing fees may be applicable

Digital images will be delivered via email or secure link, depending on file size. For fees for images from the Rachel Carson collection, please contact Benjamin Panciera.

Permission to Publish

Permission to publish is required to reproduce text or images from Lear Center collections. Please email us with your request to confirm we have access to the materials.  The Permission to Publish form should include the following information:

• Materials requested
• Title of the publication/work
• Author
• Format (book, exhibition, article, etc)
• Date of publication (known or anticipated)
• Distribution (North American, Worldwide)
• Use (commercial, personal, non-profit)

Please note that in many instances copyright is not held by Connecticut College and researchers are responsible for indentifying the copyright holder and securing permission to reproduce copyrighted materials before publishing.