Mennonite Historical Library – For Researchers

Plan your MHL visit

Serious researchers will find it more advantageous to visit the library and examine the collection in person. The library usually has more resources relating to a research project than can be determined by correspondence, and many of the library’s materials do not circulate. MHL staff members will help researchers in any way they can. The staff is pleased to exhibit and explain parts of the library’s resources and to give talks about the collection to interested individuals and groups.

Our summer hours and hours between academic semesters can vary, including periods when the MHL is closed. Special hours for these periods are usually posted by mid-May or by end of November. If you hope to visit the MHL in December, beginning of January, or May-August and special hours have not yet been posted, please contact us before scheduling your visit.

Researchers can arrange special hours of access to the MHL by calling (574) 535-7418 or emailing mhl@goshen.edu. Inquiries by email will be answered as staff time permits.

Facilities

The library provides special carrels for scholars doing research for extended periods, enabling researchers to work evenings, except during college vacation periods. Laptop computers may be used in these carrels. Microfilm readers and a photocopier are available, but there are no facilities for producing microfilms.

Fee structure

The MHL strives to provide access to our holdings without direct cost to students and employees of Goshen College and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Other users can expect to pay modest fees and/or face some difference in service levels. These fees and guidelines are outlined in this document: Guidelines and Fees for MHL/Goshen College Archives (updated 2023)

Goshen College Archives access policy

The Goshen College Archives documents and preserves the history and records of Goshen College. Materials within this institutional archive were created by or for Goshen College, including a combination of official institutional records and correspondence, student and alumni organizational records and ephemera, and institutional publications. Selected other records that serve to document the mission, history and activities of Goshen College may also fall within the scope of this archive. The current policy and procedure for access to the Goshen College Archives are outlined in this document: Goshen College Archives Access Policy – 2023