Virtual Research Visits

We look forward to welcoming researchers into our new Special Collections spaces at a later date, but in the meantime we're offering expanded virtual reference services.

Nothing can replace an in-person visit to work with materials in our collections, but when that isn't possible we want to offer as much access as possible. During times of social distancing we're offering virtual research services. Please contact us if you have any other suggestions for how we can help.

Available Services

We encourage researchers to contact us for any of the following services. (Please note that we may have to limit the services below depending on staff availability):

  • Research Consultation
    Contact us to set up a phone or video call appointment to discuss your research.
  • Remote Browsing
    We'll bring you into the stacks by video and offer a guided tour of the shelves. If you see something that you'd like to work with we'll bring it back to our reading room and help you get a closer look.
  • Free Reproductions
    We're making quick images (e.g. shot by phone camera) available for free.
  • Class Session Planning
    If you're interested in using Special Collections material in your classes (at whatever level), we'd love to talk about what we can offer.
  • See Something Unexpected
    We'll pull a few items from the collection that we think you might like and show them to you. Think of it as a personalized mini-tour.

To make an appointment, please fill out the form below. If you have any questions, you can contact us at special_collections@provlib.org. Once we've arranged an appointment, visit whereby.com/pplspc at the designated time, and we'll begin the research visit. You won't need to install any additional software, but your computer or device might ask for permission to use your camera and microphone.

In the meantime, please register as a new researcher, learn more about our collections, and find out about the other ways you can use our collections from home.

Contact

General Inquiries

 

For areas of specific interest, you’re welcome to contact Special Collections staff directly.
Jordan Goffin
Head Curator of Collections

 

Kate Wells
Curator of Rhode Island Collections

 

Angela DiVeglia
Research and Outreach Librarian for Special Collections