Using the Collections
Special Collections & Archives (SCA) has different hours and rules than the rest of the library.
* SCA is open from 8 to 5 Monday-Friday, and some Saturdays (call in advance) during the school year.
* Materials cannot be checked out, and must be used in the SCA reading room.
* All photocopies and digital images must be made by the staff.
* SCA is located in the lower level of the Merrill-Cazier Library (at the base of the main staircase) in room 035.
Instructions on Using the Special Collections & Archives Reading Room
First time users must complete Special Collections & Archives User Registration Agreement form with current student ID or other form of picture ID. NOTE: Registration will be good for five years. ID is provided once for the registration process and on subsequent visits, it must be shown to the Staff attendant who will verify your registration status in a database.
Using the card catalog or electronic cataloging system, locate call numbers for desired items. Fill out and record call numbers on Blue Paging Card located at the main desk.
Give the card to staff attendant. Only three discrete items may be used at a time (e.g. three books, or three folders). Only one document box may be in use at a time. Requested items will be brought to you for use in the Tanner Reading Room as our materials may not be checked out.
Personal belongings such as briefcases, backpacks, and coats must be stored in the lockers provided before researchers are allowed access to Special Collections materials. Staff attendant will give you a lock.
To protect materials from potential damage, only PENCIL is allowed for note taking. No pens allowed.
Preserve the existing order of any unbound materials, such as manuscripts or photographs. Exercise great care in handling fragile items; white gloves may be required & provided by staff.
Photocopies are made within copyright law limits by Special Collections staff only. Please read posted copyright warning. Not all copy requests can be filled immediately. Photocopy request forms are available at the Tanner Reading Room desk. NOTE: Some materials may not be photocopied due to age and/or fragility.
Digital photography by a patron is limited to fair use of non-primary source material (for a $5/day fee). This means diaries and journals may ONLY be photocopied. This is to help preserve the integrity of our holdings, and prevent someone from "publishing" an item wholesale on the web.
No food, candy, or beverages allowed in the Tanner Reading Room.
The use of cell phones is not allowed in Special Collections. Please leave the Tanner Reading Room to make or receive a call.