Tomlinson Library's Archives & Special Collections department collects and provides access to materials on the history of Western Colorado and the archival records of Colorado Mesa University. The collections include digital content; physical manuscript and record collections; rare books; publications relevant to the department's collecting areas; the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission archive; and items of material culture such as pottery, artwork, and memorabilia.
Digital Content
Digital content is available in the Colorado Mesa University Digital Archive hosted by Mountain Scholar.
Physical Holdings
Physical holdings can be identified using this searchable PDF and the archives catalog. Updates to the archives catalog are ongoing and may not reflect the entirety of our collections. To view rare books and other special published materials consult the library catalog. Please contact the Archives and Special Collections Librarian to access physical holdings or to answer any questions: [email protected].
To access the ASC Reading Room by special appointment, researchers must email their request, with a list of specific items they would like to access.
Steps to book an appointment:
- Email [email protected] to request an appointment.
- Clearly state what specific collections or materials you want to see. The more detailed you are about your research, the better staff can assist you.
- Provide your contact information and/or proposed visit dates/times.
- Appointments will be considered according to staff availability.
Appointments are available between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
You can access the CMU Digital Archive at any time.
Internships
The Archives & Special Collections Librarian at Tomlinson Library supervises internships for students interested in gaining experience and skills related to the archival profession, public history, writing and editing for professional purposes, and rare book and special collections librarianship.
Students in the history and English programs have completed internships, but all majors are welcome to apply for opportunities.
Projects may include
- Researching, designing, and installing exhibits
- Processing and describing archival collections
- Writing and editing manuals, collection descriptions, and social media content
- Creating guides to the collection around specific subjects
- Other projects that enhance access to or understanding of the materials held in ASC
Employment
Students interested in work study and MAVworks employment in Archives & Special Collections can check Handshake for availability but are welcome to inquire with the Archives & Special Collections Librarian directly.
Projects for student employees may include
- Shelving books and other materials
- Relabeling folders and boxes
- De-duplicating publications
- Shifting collections and books
- Scanning photographs and documents
- Creating inventories
- Identifying and organizing historical photographs
Please note that Archives & Special Collections is a quiet environment and student workers stay consistently busy so there is no opportunity to complete homework or chat with friends.
Archives & Special Collections accepts donations of books and archival materials that align with the following collection development priorities
- History of Colorado Mesa University
- History and people of the Grand Valley, Western Slope of Colorado, and Eastern Utah
- Water management in the Colorado River watershed
- Prominent industries of Western Colorado and Eastern Utah
- Material that will support courses taught at Colorado Mesa University
Archival materials include items like photographs, zines, letters, scrapbooks, oral histories, records of local organizations, and a wide variety of other physical and digital material.
Recent donations have included
- World War I era scrapbook from a local family
- Civil War era diary from a local family
- Records of the Grand Junction chapter of the American Association of University Women
- Researcher registration form - Anyone wishing to access materials held by Archives & Special Collections will be asked to complete this form on their first visit and asked to sign the register on subsequent visits.
- Deed of gift - Anyone wishing to donate physical or digital materials to Archives & Special Collections will be asked to complete this form. Please consult with the Special Collections and Archives Librarian prior to donation to confirm that the materials meet with the collection development priorities for ASC.
- University records transfer form - University staff will be asked to complete this form prior to transferring University records to Archives & Special Collections. Only records with a permanent retention or those with historical value should be transferred to ASC. Please consult the Archives & Special Collections Librarian with any questions regarding record retention.
Visitors to Archives & Special Collections should consult the visitor parking page to learn about current parking access and fees.
Archives & Special Collections is located on the 3rd floor of Tomlinson Library on the opposite side of the building from the books.