Plan Your Research Visit

Welcome! We're happy that you have interest in our Texas State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives and we look forward to working with you during your research visit.

The Special Collections and Archives have rare and unique materials and we ask our researchers to observe some rules to ensure that we help the collections last longer. This enables future researchers to use these rare, unique materials, too.

• Appointment required and at least 48 hours notice to retrieve materials and allow time for them to acclimate to temperature changes.
• No food, beverages, or gum are allowed. Covered beverages, such as water bottles, may be permitted in designated areas.
• Use only pencil when taking notes. No ink pens in the Reading Room and pencils and scratch paper are provided.
• Cameras or photographic equipment may be used with permission, and typically with no flash. Personal scanners are not permitted.
• Hands must be clean to handle materials.
• Researchers are requested to observe the following when handling materials:
  • Use one folder from a box at a time.
  • Maintain existing order within each folder and box.
  • Use placeholder when removing folders
  • Do not remove items from folders. Bring the entire folder out, and use a placeholder, for scanning or showing something to staff.
  • Notify the archivists staff if any materials are damaged or appear out of order.
  • Lay folders flat on table when in use.
• All materials must be viewed in the reading room. Materials do not circulate.
• The use of some materials may be restricted by statute, the office of origin, or by the donor. The researcher must assume full responsibility for fulfilling the terms connected with any restricted materials. the University Libraries reserves the right to restrict the use of materials which are not processed, of exceptional value, and/or fragile.
• For all bound volumes, foam book supports are located in the reading room as well as book weights. Never put pressure on spines of books.
• Only one person allowed to handle materials at a time.

Please ask if you have any questions! Our Special Collections and Archives staff can help you decipher old cursive, navigate a finding aid, or consult with you about other sources you may find useful.

Researchers must request materials at least 2-3 days in advance of their scheduled visit so that the materials can acclimate and be ready upon your arrival. Our archival collections are stored in a climate-controlled preservation facility, the Archives and Research Center, and need time to acclimate to temperature changes.

• We have self-serve scanners that you may use, free of charge.
• You are also welcome to use a camera without a flash, for most materials.
• If you would like to make scans or copies, please consult with the staff members on duty to make sure that the material is sturdy enough to be copied or scanned.
• We also offer digitization services for some materials and some for a duplication fee. Please contact us with more information about what you are looking for.

Materials in the Special Collections and Archives are subject to U.S. copyright law. Researchers are responsible for obtaining permission from the copyright holders to quote, cite, reproduce, or otherwise use collection materials. The copyright holder may be an individual or entity other than Texas State University. For questions about the copyright and permissions of items in our collections, please contact us: Archives and Research Form