The University of Massachusetts Amherst's Renaissance Center is a renowned institution that provides a wide range of resources for researchers and scholars. Located in the heart of the campus, the center is dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the humanities, with a particular focus on the Renaissance period. The center's resources are designed to support the work of faculty, students, and visiting scholars, and include a variety of facilities, services, and programs.
Research Facilities and Collections
The Renaissance Center is home to a number of research facilities and collections that are available to scholars and researchers. These include the W.E.B. Du Bois Library, which houses a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and other materials related to the Renaissance period. The library’s special collections department is particularly notable, with holdings that include rare editions of works by major Renaissance authors, as well as manuscripts and other primary sources.
In addition to the library, the Renaissance Center is also home to the University Museum of Contemporary Art, which features a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum's holdings include works by major artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, as well as a number of rotating exhibitions and installations.
Digital Resources and Databases
The Renaissance Center also provides access to a number of digital resources and databases that are designed to support research and scholarship in the humanities. These include online archives of rare books and manuscripts, as well as digital editions of major Renaissance works. The center’s digital resources also include a number of subscription databases, such as JSTOR and EBSCO, which provide access to a vast array of scholarly articles, books, and other sources.
Some of the specific digital resources available to researchers and scholars at the Renaissance Center include:
- Early English Books Online (EEBO): a digital archive of over 125,000 rare books and manuscripts from the 15th to 17th centuries
- Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO): a digital archive of over 150,000 rare books and manuscripts from the 18th century
- Google Books: a digital database of over 30 million books, including many rare and out-of-print titles
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| W.E.B. Du Bois Library | A vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and other materials related to the Renaissance period |
| University Museum of Contemporary Art | A diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by major artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali |
| Early English Books Online (EEBO) | A digital archive of over 125,000 rare books and manuscripts from the 15th to 17th centuries |
Research Support and Funding
In addition to its research facilities and digital resources, the Renaissance Center also provides a number of research support and funding opportunities for scholars and researchers. These include research grants and fellowships, as well as travel awards and other forms of support. The center's research support and funding opportunities are designed to help scholars and researchers pursue their research projects and advance their careers.
Some of the specific research support and funding opportunities available to scholars and researchers at the Renaissance Center include:
- Renaissance Center Research Grants: competitive grants that provide funding for research projects related to the Renaissance period
- Fellowships: competitive fellowships that provide funding and support for scholars and researchers pursuing advanced research projects
- Travel Awards: awards that provide funding for travel to conferences, archives, and other research destinations
Collaboration and Community
The Renaissance Center is also committed to fostering a sense of community and collaboration among scholars and researchers. The center hosts a number of research seminars and workshops throughout the year, which provide opportunities for scholars to share their research and receive feedback from peers. The center also sponsors a number of research groups and reading groups, which bring together scholars with shared interests and research goals.
Some of the specific collaboration and community opportunities available to scholars and researchers at the Renaissance Center include:
- Renaissance Center Research Seminars: regular seminars that feature presentations by scholars and researchers on their current research projects
- Workshops: hands-on workshops that provide training and support for scholars and researchers on topics such as digital scholarship and research methods
- Research Groups: groups of scholars who share research interests and goals, and who meet regularly to discuss their work and receive feedback from peers
What types of research support and funding are available to scholars and researchers at the Renaissance Center?
+The Renaissance Center provides a number of research support and funding opportunities, including research grants, fellowships, travel awards, and other forms of support. These opportunities are designed to help scholars and researchers pursue their research projects and advance their careers.
How can scholars and researchers get involved in the Renaissance Center’s research seminars and workshops?
+Scholars and researchers can get involved in the Renaissance Center’s research seminars and workshops by contacting the center’s staff or visiting the center’s website. The center also sponsors a number of research groups and reading groups, which bring together scholars with shared interests and research goals.
