The Archives is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 6:00. Appointments are not necessary, but if you are planning to conduct extensive research or travel from out of town we encourage you to contact us in advance.

Everyone who visits the Archives is asked to complete a brief registration and follow the department’s care and handling guidelines. These guidelines are designed to allow you to use our collections for research while also insuring that the collections will be protected and available for others to use in the future.

You should allow sufficient time to conduct your research. All guidelines must be followed regardless of time constraints.

Failure or refusal to follow department guidelines can result in a denial of service.

1. Documents and photographs must be handled with care and in a way not likely to cause damage. The staff will instruct you on proper care and handing.

2. Food and beverages, including bottled water, candy and gum are not allowed in the Archives.

3. Cellular telephones may not be used inside the Archives. A place is provided for phone use.

4. Backpacks, computer bags, brief cases, purses and other enclosed containers; large coats and jackets; and books and other items not needed for your research may not be brought into the Archives Reading Room. Lockers are provided for you to store these items.

5. Pens, including hi-lighters, many not be used. Notes may be taken with a pencil or personal computer.

6. Digital cameras, without flash, are welcome with the Archivist’s permission. Scanners may not be used.

7. All archival material must be used in the Archives. Archival material may not be checked out or taken to another part of the library.

8. The staff will retrieve all material for you. You are welcome to request as much material as you need but you will be limited to three files or items in the Reading Room at any time.

9. Most items in the Archives can be photocopied or scanned. All copying and scanning is done by Archives staff. Because copying can damage documents and photographs, we ask that you take the time to carefully examine items, take notes when possible, and only request copies that you truly need. We reserve the right to not copy entire collections or substantial portions of collections. Copying will be done as staff time permits. Large requests may take several days or weeks to complete.