Plan Your Visit
Before Your Visit
You can browse or search for Special Collections material through the library catalog (DELCAT) or the finding aid database (ArchivesSpace). Once you’ve found material you’d like to see in-person, fill out the Ask Special Collections form or email AskSpec@udel.libanswers.com. In your message, please specify the title(s) and call number(s) of the material if you found it in the catalog or the collection title(s)/number(s) and box number(s) if you found it in the finding aid database, as well as the proposed date of your visit. It’s also helpful to include a link to the catalog or finding aid entry, so staff can be certain of what you are requesting. If you don’t have all this information, include what information you can and a staff member will work with you to ensure the correct material is being pulled for your use.
Sample messages to Special Collections:
Hello! My name is Jane Doe and I would like to come in to look at the manuscripts in Box 3 of the Kay Boyle papers. Could I come in at 2 PM on March 14th?
Dear Special Collections team: My name is John Doe and I believe the book What’s cookin’ in New Castle County (call number: Non-Circulating DEL ; TX715 .D346x 1975) would be useful to my research. Would it be possible for me to come in to see it on May 4th?
Please plan accordingly–the earlier you let Special Collections staff know what material you’d like to see, the easier it will be for staff to ensure your material is ready for you!
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.” Because Annex materials require time to be delivered to Special Collections, please allow 1-2 business days before an Annex request is ready. You’ll receive a notification from a staff member once an Annex request has arrived.