Special Collections Research Services

As Special Collections moves archival collections to a new, long-term storage facility, reference services, reproduction requests, and access to most collections will be limited or unavailable through fall 2026.  Staff will be working offsite and unavailable most of this time.

June 22 – October 7.  Archival collections are unavailable.  

June 22 – July 10.  Reading Room is open for rare book use only.  Limited reproduction services available.

July 13 – October 7. Reading Room closed to all researchers.  Reference services are unvailable.

October 7 - October 16. Reading Room open with access to rare books only.

October 19  through 2026. Reading Room open with limited access to archival collections.  Limited reproduction services available.

A research account is required to use materials from Special Collections (manuscripts, rare books, and University Archives). Requests for materials and reproductions must be submitted through your research account. Please follow these steps:

1. Register as a researcher with Special Collections.
2. Identify the materials you would like to consult and place requests for those items in your Special Collections account.
3. Schedule an appointment when submitting your requests. Note that requests must be submitted 5 days prior to your appointment date.

Please submit reference requests in writing. Telephone reference is limited to questions about Special Collections and University Archives holdings that can be answered in five minutes or less.

Reference requests are answered in the order that they are received. The response time will vary depending on the complexity of the request, current demand, and staff availability. Our average response time is 2 to 3 weeks. 

In depth research is beyond the scope of our services. In these instances, staff may be able to suggest collections for researchers to consult when they visit Special Collections.