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During the Spring 2022 semester, the Archives will be offering remote reference and research assistance during the Library’s virtual service hours. Please send all email requests for records and research inquiries to Head of Archives, Prof. Cynthia Tobar at Cynthia.Tobar@bcc.cuny.edu. We invite the public to explore our digital and oral history collections, online exhibits and education.

BCC Collections

HOURS OF OPERATION

*The Archives physical spaces are closed for the remainder of the COVID-19 disruption. The Archives will continue to serve the public remotely online.

*Monday-Thursday: By Appointment Only

*TOURS AND CLASS VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT or DURING NORMAL LIBRARY HOURS.

Plan A Visit

What should I expect when conducting research in the Archives? Here are six easy steps to follow to research archival and special collections:

  • Select a topic – person, place, or event.  Your research may have a general theme but it is easiest to research specific people, places, or events.  Look at a few published articles that may provide background information, including OneSearch or our Databases.  If you have questions, contact the Archives or a subject librarian to discuss your research topic.
  • Identify what collection(s) you wish to view and which boxes you wish to see within that collection.  Each finding aid contains an inventory that lists what materials are in the collection and in what boxes they are stored. Decide which boxes you wish to view.  We can place a total of six boxes of material (from one collection or different collections) on reserve for a researcher at one time. As the researcher looks through these and has them discharged, other boxes can be placed on reserve.
  • Contact the Archives. Be sure to email at least 48 hours (2 business days) before you plan to visit, with the collection name and box numbers you wish to see. Staff may have to retrieve materials from an off-site location and cannot produce the materials immediately upon request.  The materials will be placed on reserve for you to look at in a study room in the Library.
  • Visit the Library and be prepared to show identification, fill out some paperwork, and store your personal belongings with staff. While all archivists and librarians want you to be able to see this special stuff, we also need to make sure it survives for future generations to experience. We follow these procedures with everyone who wishes to use our materials. Feel free to bring your laptop, books, and paper into the study room.  We recommend that you bring a digital camera with you in case you see material you would like to reproduce – but be sure to ask permission before taking any photographs.
  • Use your head, write with lead.  Bring some pencils with you to the archives because pens are not allowed (have you ever had a pen explode on you before?). When you are using the materials, please do so with care. Pay attention to what you are doing and how you are doing it. If you have any doubts at all about how to handle something, ask. We are always happy to help. Remember, most of these items are one-of-a-kind. If something is ruined, there are often no other copies to be had!
  • Spread the word! After your primary source experience, be sure to tell others about it. The best way to ensure that these exciting, interesting materials stay accessible for years to come is to continue having excited researchers like you. How do we do that? With your help – word of mouth!

 

Fall 2022

Includes are November exhibit of the Jesús Lebrón papers, as well as the American Icons oral history collection, and our comprehensive digital update.

Read
Fall 2020

Includes Reclaiming the Hall: Amplifying Community Voices at the Hall of Fame Recap.

Read
Spring 2017

Features exciting new digital and oral history collections.

Read

Contact Information

Cynthia Tobar

Head of Archives

North Hall and Library
Rm. 246
718.289.5436

 

Alexander Rettie

Assistant Archivist

North Hall and Library
Rm. 246
718.289.3569

 

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