Collection Finding Aids
Our ArchivesSpace finding aid repository contains information about individual collections. Search or browse to find primary sources, or learn more about our holdings at the collection level.
Ernest F. Hollings: 1922 - 2019
On announcing his gift of his papers to the University of South Carolina, Ernest F. "Fritz" Hollings said that he wanted
his collection to serve as a research tool but also to become the catalyst for the
creation of a center for the study of modern society.
He was convinced that the UofSC was most likely to develop such a center due to its
ability and willingness to support such an endeavor; its central location in the state;
and its proximity to related resources including the South Caroliniana Library, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, and the S.C. State Library.
Access Our Collections
There are several ways to access materials in our collections. The tools below can help you find what you're looking for. Please note that any collection marked as "closed" is not available for research until its arrangement and description have been completed.
Digitized Collections
Unique, digitized materials from Political Collections are accessible online through the Digital Collections repository.
Library Catalog
The library catalog contains records for many of the collections housed at SCPC.
Research Guides
At SCPC, we’re developing online guides for popular topics and to supplement some exhibits. These guides highlight issues that might be of interest to our patrons and represent only a small fraction of the topics a researcher could immerse themselves in at our repository.
MIRC Digital Video Repository (DVR)
Moving image materials from SCPC are housed at University Libraries' Moving Image Research Collections (MIRC). The footage is available to view online in MIRC's DVR.
Our Location
SCPC is located in the Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library and is accessed through Thomas Cooper Library. Paid visitor parking is available in the Bull Street garage. Please contact us in advance of your research visit.
Policies and Procedures
The Hollings Library is a research and study facility. The services provided for the University community and public include access to our historic collections, copying, tours, and special library events. It is expected that no patron will impinge on the rights of other patrons. The rules outlined in this form ensure the best and most fair use of the Library for all patrons. Please report any violations to the reference staff. Read policy.
Complete the Imaging Services Form [pdf] to request photocopy or digital imaging services.
- Researchers may use personal cameras only after consulting with library staff. Not all material may be photographed.
- Researchers must be registered and accept the policies on third-party copyright responsibility and on the procedures and charges for permission from the library to use images in publications or any other non-personal use.
- Use of handheld or other personal scanners is prohibited.
- Materials which a researcher wishes to photograph must be reviewed by a library staff member. Researchers must adhere to all special instructions on the handling of the materials (e.g. in a requirement to use a book cradle or easel). All photography must be done at a location prescribed by the reading room staff member. The library may refuse requests to photograph certain material, chiefly due to copyright or the physical condition of the original. Some materials, such as those in contemporary literary collections, may require an additional written approval by a relevant literary agency or literary estate.
- Each image taken must include the USC measuring marker/ownership flag, which will be provided by the staff on approving a photograph request.
- The use of flash or supplemental lighting is not generally permitted.
SCPC reserves the right, at its discretion and without explanation, to set special
prices on material involving unusual difficulty. For more information, please see
our Photography and Digital Imaging Services Policy. Fees are slightly higher for
offsite requests requiring staff to perform research and locate material to be duplicated.
Fee Schedule [pdf]
The location of materials quoted or referred to in published works should be properly noted. Researchers should use this format for citations:
[Item Description], [Collection Title], South Carolina Political Collections,
University of South Carolina.
Footnotes clearly indicating the location of material will help other researchers and archivists.