Making a request to consult materials in the Reading Room
Special Collections material does not circulate and must be used in the Reading Room. To request Special Collections material and make a Reading Room appointment, contact Special Collections.
In your message, please include as much information as you can about what material you’d like to see so staff can be certain of what item(s) you are requesting. For printed material, such as books, identifying information includes the title, author, and call number. For archival material, identifying information includes the collection number, collection title, and specific boxes or folders. It’s also helpful to include a link to the catalog record or finding aid listing the item you are interested in.
After filling out the form or sending an email message, you should receive a reply from a Special Collections staff member acknowledging your request within one business day. The staff member will either confirm your appointment, ask for more information, or let you know that the appointment cannot be made for the requested time (for instance, if the visitor calendar is full that day).
Special Collections materials at the Annex
While most material can be retrieved within 24 hours, items housed at the Annex will require several days for retrieval. If the item(s) you’re interested in are housed at the Annex, the catalog record or the finding aid will include a note such as “Available at Library Annex” or “Shelved in Annex.” To request Annex material, please fill out the Library Annex Request Form. If you’re requesting archival material, put the collection number in the Call Number field, put the title of the collection in the Title field, and list which boxes you are requesting in the Notes field.
Because Annex materials require time to be delivered to Special Collections, please allow 3-5 business days before an Annex request is ready. You’ll receive a notification from a staff member once an Annex request has arrived.
Requesting reproductions
Requests for digital reproductions can be accommodated on a limited basis. Requests for digital scans of Special Collections materials are submitted through the Application to Reproduce Special Collections Materials online webform. The condition of the individual documents and the size of the job will determine whether a request can be accepted. Patrons are limited to 200 pages/images per semester.
For patrons who consult materials in the Reading Room, the use of personal digital cameras is encouraged in lieu of placing photocopy requests.
Do you have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for? Please visit the Special Collections FAQ, reach out via our contact form or call us at 302-831-2229.