How Can You Access the Feminist Theory Papers?

The Feminist Theory Papers are supported by Pembroke Center at Brown University. The collections are physically kept at the Library Annex, accessible through the John Hay Library. Below is a step-by-step guide for finding, recalling and using the FTP collections.

To utilize these collections, please follow these steps.

1. Visit the Feminist Theory Papers website. This site provides brief descriptions of the collections and connects you to the finding aids (research guides) for each collection. You can also take a look at the beautiful online exhibits of the Naomi Schor and Elaine Marks collections. **(Finding aids are descriptions of archival collections, providing a history of the person or organization that produced the collection and an inventory of its contents.)
2. Look at the inventory in the finding aids and decide which boxes you would like to have sent to the John Hay Library. Most of the collections are kept at the Annex and will take 24-hours to be sent from the Annex to the Hay. If you have any specific questions about the collection, please contact Amy Greer (Amy_Greer@brown.edu).
3. When you have selected the collection and boxes you would like to view, email Tim Engels (Timothy_Engels@brown.edu) at the Hay. Provide him with the collection number (it will look something like Ms. 2007.032), and the box numbers you wish to view. Tim will let you know when the items arrive at the Hay.
4. Visit the Hay during the hours listed on the John Hay Library website. The website will also provide you with the rules of the archives. Once at the Hay, proceed to the front desk and let them know that you have boxes waiting for you. Please be prepared to put your belongings (jackets, backpacks, water bottles, etc.) in a locker. The folks at the front desk will provide a key for you. You may only bring a laptop, pads of paper, and pencils into the Reading Room for the protection of these unique materials (think of what an ink explosion or water spill would do to a one-of-a-kind letter!). If you are pencil-less, the Reading Room usually has some on hand for you to use. Handle all materials with care, whether from the 18th or the 21st centuries. Remember, there are no others like them!
5. If you need to reproduce any of the materials, please speak to the attendant in the Reading Room. They will inform you of their policies. If you want to quote any of the materials, please contact the archivist (Amy_Greer@brown.edu). You may need to seek permission directly from the scholar.
6. When you are finished for the day, let the Reading Room attendant know if you are finished with the materials or if you will be back to utilize the materials. Only tell them you are continuing to work with the materials if you will be back within a couple of weeks. They do not have the space to hold the materials much longer. If it will be longer, return the items. You can just page the items again when you are ready by visiting the Hay or contacting Tim Engels.
7. After leaving the Hay, go off and write an amazing paper, complete an awesome project, or fill your mind with more interesting thoughts!

For any specific questions about the collection, please contact the archivist, Amy Greer.