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Conducting Research

Regulations Governing the Use, Quotation, and Publication of Material

The historical collections of the University Archives are open for research to all members of the University community, to visiting scholars and to the scholarly public. Access is granted in accordance with the Protocols for the University Archives and Records Center. Attorneys who wish access to the Archives for non-academic research purposes must put their request for materials in writing, which request shall be reviewed by the University’s Office of the General Counsel.

Researchers are expected to adhere to the following regulations in using, quoting or publishing material from the University Archives collections:

Prohibitions in the Reading Room and Seminar Room

  • Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited in the reading room.
  • PENCILS ONLY are permitted; pens and markers are prohibited.
  • Backpacks and carry-alls are not allowed. Laptops are permitted at the discretion of staff.

Handling Archival Materials

  • Handle all documents with care. No materials may leave the University Archives’ reading room.
  • Documents are to be maintained in the EXACT order they are arranged in each file. If a document appears to be out of order, the researcher should notify the Archives staff. Do not move or rearrange documents yourself.
  • Make no marks or erasures on any document.
  • When marking pages to be photocopied, use the NON-ADHESIVE strips provided.

When You Leave

  • Researchers should tag the files or boxes they will continue to use at another time. Please leave a clear notice including your name, phone number or e-mail address, today’s date, and the anticipated time when you will return to the Archives’ Reading Room. ALL ITEMS NOT RESERVED IN THIS MANNER WILL BE RESHELVED.

Photocopy Policy

  • All photocopying is done by the Archives staff. The University Archives reserves the right to refuse reproduction requests which are deemed unreasonable or which may threaten the preservation of the documents.
  • Arrangements for electronic reproductions will be made by the University Archives and work done by its designate.
  • View current Services and Fees.

Copyright

  • The Copyright law of the United States (U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, 90 Stat 2541; U.S. Code Title 17) governs the making of photocopies and reproductions of copyrighted material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission for use of any material where copyrights, literary property rights, or other forms of ownership of intellectual property may apply, in conformance with the provisions of the United States Copyright law. PHOTOCOPIES ARE PROVIDED FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE FURTHER REPRODUCED.
  • Supplying a photocopy is not an authorization to publish. When publication is intended, an application for publication rights for any material quoted or reproduced from the University Archives must be submitted to the Archivist in writing.