Library Archives and Special Collections

Chris Barber works in the Archives & Special Collections where she responds to reference inquiries, organizes and describes archival collections, and assists with all aspects of preserving and providing access to our rich collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives, and other materials.

Julia is the second research fellow for the Racial History of Amherst College project. Her primary focus is utilizing archives and special collections to gather information about the histories of race at Amherst College.

Brandon is currently the project coordinator for the "Mapping Native Intellectual Networks of the Northeast" Mellon grant in the Archives & Special Collections. He is originally from Ketchikan, Alaska and is a member of the Tsimshian Nation. He is a recipient of the Bridging Knowledge scholarship which aims to support Indigenous scholars into the field of librarianship by funding students to pursue an MLIS degree at San Jose State University. Brandon is also a graduate of the University of Washington Museology Graduate Program where he researched integrating Indigenous language terms into museum collection databases. 

Mimi Dakin works in the Archives & Special Collections where she responds to reference inquiries, organizes and describes archival collections, and assists with all aspects of preserving and providing access to our rich collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives, and other materials.

Primarily responsible for cataloging Special Collections materials, including rare books, maps, videos, senior theses, and manuscripts. I’m happy to help with questions about searching the library catalog or general book history.

Rachel Jirka is the College Archivist. She works in the Archives & Special Collections where she responds to reference inquiries, teaches class sessions, and organizes and describes archival collections. She also works closely with members the college community interested in preserving the College’s rich history.

Mike Kelly is the Head of the Archives & Special Collections, the primary repository for college history and a wide range of rare books, manuscripts, and other special research collections held by Amherst College. Mike is responsible for the overall management of the acquisition, organization, description, and preservation of the holdings of the Archives. He also works closely with faculty, students, librarians, and others to develop classes, exhibitions, and other programs that draw on the library’s rich collections of primary source materials.

Mariah Leavitt works in the Archives & Special Collections where she responds to reference inquiries, organizes and describes archival collections, and assists with all aspects of preserving and providing access to our rich collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives, and other materials.