Unlike most library books, the Archives and Special Collections do not circulate and may not be loaned from the library.

The Archives and Special Collections may be referenced on-site. To do so, you must provide the Reference Archivist advanced notice of what you wish to consult and set up a reference appointment.

Our online catalogues offer unrestricted access to the descriptions of over 400 archival fonds and collections, and feature a sample of digitized materials. Accessing the full megillah usually requires an in-person visit.

Our Reference Room provides a quiet workspace for researchers to review rare and archival materials.

We provide gloves for handling delicate documents or photographs.

Pen and ink may not be used around the records at any time.

Food and drink are prohibited in the Reference Room.

All personal items (jackets, bags) must be stored away from the research stations.

Some journals are available on microfilm and researchers learn to navigate through them with a microfilm reader. We recommend bringing a USB flash drive if you wish to keep any captures.

Photocopying, digital photography, and scanning of items (not including photographs or confidential records) are sometimes permitted at the discretion of the Archives for reference purposes only. Separate permission must be granted if a record is to be published in any format and a nominal fee is applied that helps sustain the department.