Conducting Research in Special Collections

Research Assistance and Appointments

The curators, archivists, and staff of Special Collections are here to help you with your research. Some of our collections are kept offsite; it is helpful to us if you call ahead to make an appointment and we can then be prepared with relevant collections and items before you arrive. Use the contact list at right to find the appropriate person with whom to discuss your research.

Things to Know Before You Arrive

• You can browse finding aids (itemized guides to the collections) at the Northwest Digital Archives website. Use "More Search Options" on the search bar limit your search to items at the University of Utah.
• You can also browse digitized items from all of the collections online in our Digital Library.
• You can also see if any of the topics or subject matter is covered by the General Collection of J. Willard Marriott Library. Search the catalog.

Reading Room Policies

• Because items in our collections are unique, rare, or one of a kind, collections can only be used in the Special Collections Reading Room.
• We request that personal items be left in lockers in the Special Collections reference room, including notebooks and pens. This helps keep our collections free of potential damage.  Yellow paper and pencils will be provided. Laptops are welcome.
• Scans or copies of materials can be requested.
• Photography is not allowed.
• No food or drink.
• Unprocessed collections are not available to be viewed without an archivist present; please do be sure to make an appointment if you want to look at an unprocessed collection.
• Digitized items from the Audio Visual Archives are available to be viewed; items that are not yet digitized (film, VHS, reel to reel audiotape, cassettes, etc.) are not viewable in the Special Collections Reading Room. Call ahead if you are unsure whether an item is digitized or not.

We look forward to assisting you with your research!