Special Collections
Forsyth Library's Special Collections serves as the principal repository for and steward of the library's University Archives, rare books, and other unique materials which, because of their content, value, condition, rarity, or irreplaceability, are housed separately from other library collections.
Mission
Special Collections curates and provides access to unique materials to support the educational and research mission of Fort Hays State University and Forsyth Library. Further, Special Collections makes these resources available to a broader community of scholars and independent researchers. In executing this mission, Special Collections:
- Provides knowledgeable, engaged, and congenial public service
- Builds distinctive and unique collections
- Collaborates with University and other communities to provide unique teaching and learning opportunities
- Promotes access to and use of Special Collections via collaboration with other Forsyth Library departments, University entities, and other communities
- Facilitates discovery through online access to information about Special Collections' materials
- Curates exhibits featuring materials from Special Collections
Areas of Concentration
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Research Tools
Each area of concentration contains individual collections and items, which are discoverable in the following ways:
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BROWSE the Archives and Special Collections Catalog. This catalog contains finding aids for select collections, providing an overview of the collection's contents from box to folder level.
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SEARCH the Forsyth Library Catalog. Begin by searching keywords for your research topic. From the results list, use the right sidebar to filter results under the “Location” heading to show only the locations with the prefix “Special Collections.”
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VIEW Digital Collections to access select materials from the Special Collections that have been made digitally available.
Contribute to the Forsyth Library COVID-19 Archive
Forsyth Library is collecting COVID-19 stories from the FHSU and Ellis County Community to capture and preserve primary resource materials for the University Archives. Share stories and materials that demonstrate how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals, organizations, and the community, potentially relating to the stay at home order, social distancing, self-quarantine, delivery of online education, working remotely, and so forth. These stories will be made available for historical and research purposes, exhibits, and public dissemination.
Share Your Story
Submit text, photographs, journal and diary entries, and other digital evidence by using the project's submission form or by emailing forsythsc@fhsu.edu.
Contact
Though drop-ins are welcome, visitors to Special Collections, including the University Archives and Center for Ethnic Studies, are encouraged to schedule research appointments in advance with appropriate staff in order to get the most out of their experience.
| Questions Regarding | Contact | Contact Information |
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Amber Watts |
Office: FL 122 Email: akwatts2@fhsu.edu Phone: 785-628-5282 |
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Patty Nicholas Library Specialist |
Office: FL 112 |
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Brian Gribben |
Office: FL 212 Email: b_gribben@fhsu.edu Phone: 785-628-5511 |
|
Mary Elizabeth Downing-Turner |
Office: FL 123A Email: medowning@fhsu.edu Phone: 785-628-5713 |
Visit
HOURS: Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or by appointment
LOCATION:
Forsyth Library
502 S. Campus Dr.
Hays, KS 67601
- Special Collections and University Archives: Room 122
- Center for Ethnic Studies: Room 113
Additional Information
Special Collections Digital Collections Exhibits
Fees and Licensing Policies Tutorials
Hours
Building Hours
Spring Semester
Mon-Thurs: 7:30am-7:30pm
Fri: 7:30am-5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: 1-5pm
Online Research Help
Spring Semester
Mon-Thurs: 8am-9pm
Fri: 8am-5pm
Sat: 10am-5pm
Sun: 1pm-9pm
Contact Us
Main Phone
785-628-4434
Research Phone
Call: 785-639-6180
Text: 785-527-9483
Email
refserv@fhsu.edu
