The Special Collections and Archives

Welcome to Special Collections & Archives!

Knox College Special Collections and Archives preserves and provides access to a variety of collections that support the teaching and research endeavors of the campus, as well as the wider community. Due to their rarity and enduring value, materials are non-circulating and kept in a secure, environmentally controlled section of the library. 

Though we preserve student materials, information about recent graduates can be obtained from the Office of Alumni Relations (309-341-7238). Official academic records can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar (309-341-7205)

Using Special Collections During COVID-19

Reading Room visits: The Reading Room is open by appointment only to Knox College students, faculty, and staff. To request an appointment, please complete this Request an Appointment form 1-2 business days before your intended visit. Appointments may be requested for the period 1 pm to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.  

Visitors to the Reading Room are required to wear a mask for the entirety of their appointment, as well as wash their hands before handling the materials.   

Reference: We will continue to provide virtual reference and research assistance to the Knox campus and wider community. Due to limited staff time, however, questions may take 1-2 weeks to complete. Contact the library staff for assistance with reference questions or reproductions.

Instruction: Until further notice, all instruction sessions will be performed virtually or in a hybrid mode. Unique in-person requests may be allowed with small class sizes, under the discretion of the librarian. To schedule a virtual class, fill out our Instruction Session form at least 1-2 weeks in advance.