Collections Status

While the new Sawyer Library is not scheduled to open until 2012, access to collections is already affected as we prepare for the various stages of the move.  

Closed collections:

  • Archives' rare books collection (until 2012/13)
  • Archives' Shaker collection (until  2012/13)
  • Sawyer historic journals housed in Stetson (until summer 2009)

Reduced access:

Archives and Chapin Library
Collections will be unavailable until September 2008 when temporary quarters open in the Southworth School.  Between September 2008 and fall 2013, only small working collections will be accessible. Before visiting, contact  Archives or Chapin Library to inquire about collections availability.

Sawyer Historic Journals
Historical runs of Sawyer journals that were housed in Stetson have been transferred to the Library Shelving Facility and will gradually be processed and made available. These journals, for the most part 19th century titles, are marked "Unavailable" in FRANCIS.

During this transition period, articles from historic journals are available through Interlibrary Loan. 

Journals may also be available online through projects such as the Internet Archive, American Memory or Google Books.  For assistance in searching these digitized collections, contact one of the Reference librarians.

Transfer of Sawyer Journals to off-site shelving facility

Starting in January 2009, Sawyer Library bound journals will be gradually transferred to the Library Shelving Facility. This process will be ongoing until all bound journals are relocated.
- Journals in most crowded areas of Sawyer will be moved first (see intended schedule)
- No journal will be unavailable for more than a few hours during the move.
- Upon relocation of the journals, articles will be requested online by users and delivered electronically through our document delivery services.  
More on Sawyer journals relocation.

Gifts Policy for 2007-2012

Until the new Sawyer Library facility opens, Williams College Libraries will be unable to accept large gift donations. Please consult  the Williams College Libraries Acquisitions Gift Policy before bringing donations to the library. 

Donations to the Chapin Library are still being accepted.  Contact the Chapin Library staff to inquire about specifics.