FAQs
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Do I need to make an appointment?
Beginning August 1st, 2022, Special Collections will be open to everyone, without an appointment, from 9 am to 5 pm.
If you plan on traveling to visit us, you can still schedule an appointment in advance Monday through Friday, between 9 am & 5 pm.
We can help you with your research, including questions about our collections or accessing our material.
If you’re an instructor or looking for duplications and permissions, also see our online services. For self-service guides to help you with your research, see our Special Collections Research Guides.
We might be able to help you remotely, or you may want to visit us to see collections in person (face coverings recommended, but not required). Either way, you can email us at LBRY-askspcoll@email.arizona.edu or use the form below and we’ll get back to you.
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What kind of remote support is Special Collections offering right now?
Primary Sources
If you're considering using primary sources in your curriculum, reach out to us as soon as possible for consultation.
We are supporting online, in-person, and hybrid instruction for University of Arizona courses. Special Collections will accommodate in-person class instruction, generally up to 20 students, where interaction with the physical materials is critical to the course learning objectives and the class can be accommodated safely according to university guidelines. We can also meet your needs through virtual instruction using Zoom or other tools and the use of digital collections. We will digitize 50 pages or less from archival collections, or 20-40 photographs for use in class instruction with 4 weeks advance notice to date of instruction. No monographs will be duplicated for instructional sessions. Any request of digital version may be denied based on condition and fragility of item.
Under the circumstances, we will prioritize capstone courses, gateway courses in the major, and graduate courses with primary source literacy learning objectives for the major.
Our digital collections and online exhibits are always available and easy to access.
Consultations
Everyone is welcome to use our online services for consultation. If requests can't be fulfilled by using our digital mechanisms, we'll offer consultations for University of Arizona students, faculty and staff, and members of the general public both in person, beginning August 1st, 2022, and by appointment.
Additional Research Support
Our services have been disrupted and may be delayed, but contact us for help. See details and updates about library changes and support.
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How do I cite archival materials from Special Collections?
Citing archival material varies based on the citation style researchers are using. However, all Special Collections material citations should include the name of the collection, box and folder number, and any other useful unique forms of identification. A general format looks like this:
[name of collection, box and folder, or other unique identification information], courtesy of University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections.
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What materials do you collect?
We maintain collections of rare books and unique archival materials that make possible in-depth research on selected topics. Our collection development policy explains in more detail our collecting emphasis and priorities.
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Do you provide Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in our reading room.
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What can I bring with me into the reading room?
You will need a form of photo identification, and may want to bring a laptop and pencil. Additional belongings can be stored in our storage lockers.
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How can I donate materials to your collection?
We welcome inquiries from individuals and organizations interested in adding to our collections. Contact us via phone or email if have something you would like to donate.
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Where are you located and how do I park?
We are located on the entrance level of the Main Library which occupies the southwest corner of the University Boulevard and Cherry Avenue. Visitor parking is available at the Cherry Street garage.
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Do you appraise books or other archival materials?
Sorry, we cannot provide formal appraisals, however we can provide a list of appraisers.
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Who is allowed into Special Collections?
We are open to the public and welcome anyone with a research interest to visit and use our collections.
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Can I use a personal scanner or camera in the reading room?
Yes, we allow the use of personal digital cameras for copying, however, personal scanners are not allowed. You will just need to complete our user agreement form.
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Can I get photocopies?
Self-service photocopying is not available, but we will provide photocopies of most materials for a fee of 25 cents per page. Whether or not materials can be photocopied depends on copyright law and physical condition.
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What are your hours?
Beginning August 1st, 2022, Special Collections will be open to the public for research Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
If you plan on traveling to visit us, you can still schedule an appointment in advance.
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What is Special Collections?
Special Collections is home to the rare books, archives, and manuscript collections of the University of Arizona Libraries. We acquire, preserve, and provide access to unique archival materials with an emphasis on the Southwest and US/Mexico for individuals and communities of scholars.
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Where are your current exhibitions?
Current exhibitions are on display in the Special Collections Gallery and Reading Room, first floor of the Main Library, and the lobby of Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library.