Reference

Special Collections librarians are available to help you access materials in the Vermont Research Collection, the University Archives, and the Rare Book collections. We can also suggest resources on a wide variety of topics related to our collections and provide research consultations for students and scholars.

Research assistance is available in Special Collections during our open hours. We also provide remote reference service via email or by phone at (802) 656-2138. We generally answer questions about hours and availability of materials the next business day. We answer other questions within two weeks.

Retrieval

Many items are available in Special Collections but some books, most of the Vermont manuscript collections, and theses and dissertations are stored offsite. We require at least two business days to retrieve offsite materials. Contact us to place a request.

Reproductions

For researchers working off-site, we can provide digital copies.

Funding for Research

• Scholars who are looking for financial support to conduct research in the Silver Special Collections Library may apply for fellowships through the New England Regional Fellowship Consortium, a group of New England research libraries that collaborate to provide research support in member libraries.  NERFC Fellows must conduct research in at least three member libraries, spending a minimum of two weeks at each over the course of eight weeks, and will receive a $5,000 stipend for travel and related expenses.
• The Prospect School Practitioner Fellowship Program. The Practitioner Fellowship Program is designed to encourage faculty, independent researchers, students, classroom teachers, principals, administrators, and other community members active in school affairs to benefit from the Prospect School and Center for Education and Research Archives. Applications are accepted annually.