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’re 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.
During Your Visit
Special Collections is located on the second floor of Morris Library and can be accessed via stairs or elevator. If you need assistance getting to the second floor, please stop at the Help Center on the first floor just past the entrance turnstiles. Please note that a valid photo ID, such as a UD OneCard or state-issued ID, is required to enter the Library.
Once you arrive at Special Collections, please enter through the exhibition gallery and come through the gallery to the reception desk. If this is your first time visiting Special Collections, you’ll be asked to fill out a registration card. If you’re a returning visitor, please inform the desk attendant and they will retrieve your registration card.
Special Collections material does not circulate and can only be viewed in the Special Collections Reading Room. The following items can be brought into the Reading Room:
- pencils
- laptops and tablets
- cell phones (to take pictures)
- loose leaf paper (not notebooks)
- headphones
The following items are not permitted in the Reading Room:
- pens
- food and drink
- notebooks
- bags, coats, and other personal belongings
Please see the Special Collections Policies page for a full list of permissible items. For more information about Special Collections and preparing for your visit, please consult our FAQ page.