Collections Use
The Special Collections & University Archives Reading Room is open to researchers by appointment only Tuesday–Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All patrons are required to register and present a valid photo ID prior to using the collections. The Reading Room is closed on major and university holidays.
Due to their unique and sometimes fragile nature, Special Collections & University Archives materials do not circulate; they must be used in the Reading Room only. Patrons who fail to abide by the Reading Room Policies may be denied access to Special Collections & University Archives materials and be subject to other penalties as well.
The Reading Room is limited to a maximum capacity of 8 researchers at a time. If you are making a request for a group visit, please include how many people will visit. All visitors will be expected to complete a Patron Registration Form and abide by Reading Room Policies.
When leaving the Reading Room and planning to return the same day, you may leave personal items at your workspace. Please close books left at your workspace and return collection materials to their folder and box. When taking an extended break (more than 1 hour) or leaving for the day, please return all materials to the front desk. Arrangements may be made to reserve materials for continued use.
Please return your materials to the front desk by 4:00 p.m.
Please note that patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Appointments
Appointments are required. Please contact the department to request an appointment. By contacting us before your visit, Special Collections & University Archives staff can help you determine what collections are needed, have materials pulled and ready for your use, and explain any restrictions that may apply. Occasionally, the Reading Room is closed for Special Events and Staff Meetings. Evening and Weekend appointments are subject to staff availability.
Reference Requests
All reference requests must be made in writing. Patrons are asked to contact the department to submit their request. Telephone reference is limited to general questions about the Special Collections & University Archives department and our holdings that can be answered in five minutes or less.
Research Requests
We respond to research requests in the order they are received. Please allow a minimum of 48 hours to 1 week response time for any requests that require department staff to conduct research.
Special Collections & University Archives staff can provide up to one hour of preliminary research. If you require extensive research assistance, please schedule an in-person visit. If you are unable to visit, you can hire a local independent researcher to complete research on your behalf.
Camera Use Policy
- Non-flash photography with handheld cameras/phones is permitted; All images taken may be used for personal research use only and cannot be published in print, on the Internet, or for exhibition purposes without the consent of the appropriate copyright holders.
- No more than 10% of a book, journal, manuscript collection, or other work may be duplicated.
- Special Collections & University Archives reserves the right to decide what materials in the collection are available for use and reproduction, and what form that reproduction may take. Staff may limit photography due to preservation concerns or other reasons.
- Patrons must obtain permission from Special Collections & University Archives staff for the use of digital cameras, personal scanners, tripods, or special lighting in the Reading Room.
- Researchers will not bend, press down, or otherwise manipulate or rearrange materials to get a better photograph.
- General photography of the staff, staff workspaces, or other researchers is not permitted.
Last revised December 2024.