Plan Your Research Visit

Welcome! We're excited for your interest in the Special Collections and Archives at Texas State University and we look forward to working with you during your research visit.

The Alkek Library Reading Room is staffed during open hours to help answer your questions and find the materials you need. While we do have some materials on site, the majority of our collections are stored in an off-site climate-controlled preservation facility. These materials need time to acclimate to temperature changes when being moved to the reading room for research.

We ask that researchers request materials at least 3-4 days in advance of their scheduled visit so that the materials can acclimate and be ready upon your arrival.

To ensure the accessibility, security and preservation of records, Special Collections & Archives (SC&A) at Texas State University has established regulations for the reading room.

• All SC&A material must be used in the reading room. The material may not be checked out or used in another part of the library.
• No food, beverages, or gum are allowed. Covered beverages, such as water bottles, may be permitted in designated areas.
• Valid identification may be required at your first session. All researchers must register and present valid identification.
• Hands must be clean to handle materials.
• Cameras or photographic equipment may be used with permission, and typically with no flash. Personal scanners are not permitted.
• Use only pencil when taking notes. No ink pens in the Reading Room and pencils and scratch paper are provided.
• Phone conversations should be taken out of the shared reading room space.
• Laptop computers are allowed and wireless internet is available to guests.
• Self-serve scanners are available for use, free of charge depending on the stability and type of 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.
• 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.
• Digitization services are available at the discretion of our archivists, depending on staff availability and priority of collections materials.

It is important to use care when handling archival material, as this material is unique and often fragile. The following guidelines are meant to help you conduct your research with the safety of our collections in mind:

• Researchers may use only one box at a time.
• Archives staff will deliver each box during your research.
• Allow archives staff to move and refile oversize materials to minimize potential damage.
• Take care to keep documents in the same order in which they were delivered. It is important to maintain the original order of the materials.
• Keep items flat on the table at all times. Handle items by the edges as much as possible, giving them appropriate support so as not to bend them unnecessarily.
• Place any note paper directly on the table when taking notes. Do not write on top of the archival material, as the pressure of the pencil may leave an impression on the pages underneath and cause damage to the material. 
• No marks are to be added to or erased from collection material, including the folders in which items are housed.  
• Notify staff if assistance is needed with removing items from housing, if anything looks amiss, or if there are any other concerns about the material. 

We have two reading rooms available for your convenience. One is located in the Alkek Library on our San Marcos campus. The other is located at our off-site storage facility, the Archives & Research Center, on McCarty Lane in San Marcos, Texas.