About Us

ECASC is a department in the library that documents the history of the College as well as the history of topics and issues that complement the College’s curriculum. Staff members do this by collecting, preserving, and providing access to documents, objects, and artwork that fall under two categories:

  • institutional records created by College faculty, staff, student groups, and affiliated organizations; and
  • historical collections created by outside individuals, organizations, and groups that focus on such subjects as the history of the College; radio, television, and film; journalism; communication disorders; and comedy in all its forms.

The work of ECASC’s staff members is steered by the belief that the purpose of archives is to allow people to examine and understand both the past and present; archival materials should be accessible to as broad an audience as possible; and historical materials can be used in many different capacities, including research, creative, and personal projects.

For information about accessing our materials, please view our Remote Research page.

Policies, Procedures, & Statements

What We Do

Collections

ECASC holds a wide variety of institutional records, special collections, and American Comedy Archives, as well as a growing number of online digital collections.

Remote Research

Although the Archives & Special Collections is closed to in-person research due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff are still available to provide remote assistance to researchers.

Donations & Transfers

ECASC accepts donations of materials from the public as well as the Emerson community. We also work with internal departments to transfer and preserve permanent College records.

Records Management

ECASC has established policies and procedures for the storage, preservation, and disposal of digital and physical College records. We offer a range of services as well as advice for all departments and affiliated organizations.

Contact & Staff Info

We are here to help, please contact us with any questions or requests related to archives, special collections, digital collections, or records management.