Grems-Doolittle Library and Archives

Grems-Doolittle Library and Archives is a renowned research institution, affiliated with the Schenectady County Historical Society and located in Schenectady, New York, near the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. The library is named after Grems and Doolittle, prominent local Historic Preservation advocates, who were instrumental in the development of the Schenectady County Historical Society Museum and the Schenectady Historic District. The library's mission is to collect, preserve, and provide access to historical materials related to Schenectady County, New York State, and the United States, with a focus on the American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and the history of General Electric and Union College. The library's holdings are also relevant to researchers studying the Dutch West India Company, New Netherland, and the French and Indian War.

● History

The Grems-Doolittle Library and Archives was established in the late 20th century, with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the Schenectady County Legislature. The library's early collections were built around the personal libraries of Grems and Doolittle, which included rare books, manuscripts, and Historic Maps related to the history of Schenectady County and the Mohawk Valley. Over time, the library has expanded its collections through donations from prominent local families, including the Clifton Park and Niskayuna historical societies, and through partnerships with institutions such as the New York State Archives, the New York State Library, and the Library of Congress. The library has also collaborated with the Schenectady Museum and the Schenectady County Historical Society Museum to develop exhibits and programs related to the history of Schenectady County and the Capital District.

● Collections

The Grems-Doolittle Library and Archives holds a diverse range of collections, including rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and Historic Documents related to the history of Schenectady County and the United States. The library's collections are particularly strong in the areas of American History, New York State History, and the history of General Electric and Union College. The library also holds significant collections related to the Dutch West India Company, New Netherland, and the French and Indian War, including materials from the New York State Archives and the Library of Congress. Researchers can access the library's collections through the Online Computer Library Center and the WorldCat catalog, which also provides access to materials from other libraries, including the New York Public Library, the Boston Public Library, and the Library of Congress.

● Facilities

The Grems-Doolittle Library and Archives is located in a historic building in Schenectady, New York, near the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. The library's facilities include a reading room, a research room, and a Conservation Laboratory, where staff and volunteers work to preserve and conserve the library's collections. The library also offers Exhibition Space for exhibits and programs related to the history of Schenectady County and the United States. The library's facilities are accessible to researchers and the general public, and the library offers a range of services, including research assistance, Interlibrary Loan, and Digital Scanning services. The library has also partnered with the Schenectady Museum and the Schenectady County Historical Society Museum to develop exhibits and programs related to the history of Schenectady County and the Capital District.

● Services

The Grems-Doolittle Library and Archives offers a range of services to researchers and the general public, including research assistance, Interlibrary Loan, and Digital Scanning services. The library's staff are experts in the history of Schenectady County and the United States, and can provide guidance on researching topics related to American History, New York State History, and the history of General Electric and Union College. The library also offers Exhibition Space for exhibits and programs related to the history of Schenectady County and the United States, and has partnered with the Schenectady Museum and the Schenectady County Historical Society Museum to develop exhibits and programs related to the history of Schenectady County and the Capital District. The library has also collaborated with the New York State Archives, the New York State Library, and the Library of Congress to develop programs and services related to the preservation and conservation of historical materials.

● Conservation Efforts

The Grems-Doolittle Library and Archives is committed to the preservation and conservation of its collections, and has established a Conservation Laboratory to care for its rare and fragile materials. The library's conservation staff are trained in the latest techniques and methods for preserving and conserving historical materials, including Bookbinding, Paper Conservation, and Digital Preservation. The library has also partnered with the New York State Archives, the New York State Library, and the Library of Congress to develop programs and services related to the preservation and conservation of historical materials, and has received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support its conservation efforts. The library's conservation efforts are also supported by the Schenectady County Historical Society and the Schenectady Museum, which have provided funding and expertise to help preserve and conserve the library's collections.