Using Special Collections Materials
Request use of the Special Collections
Hours and Appointments
The NC State University Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open by appointment only.
Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, and Saturday, 1pm-5pm.
Requests for a Saturday appointment must be received no later than Tuesday of the same week.
Please contact us at library_specialcollections@ncsu.edu for appointments or any questions. You can also submit a request to use materials, and we will email you with available appointment times.
Request and use materials
- Materials are stored off-site; you must request items in advance. It may take more than 7 business days to retrieve items from storage. Large orders may take up to 14 business days.
- You will need to register with the SCRC and provide photo identification such as a student ID card, driver's license, passport, etc. Paper registration forms are also available on-site.
- Requests to access digital files (such as CDs, floppy disks, hard drive, etc.) from SCRC collections may take at least 7 business days to process. We will notify you when your requested materials are available. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room on a laptop provided by the Special Collections Research Center.
- Researchers wishing to use the same materials again, within a reasonable time frame, can ask staff to hold them. The department reserves the right to review the papers of our users at the end of each visit.
Location
The SCRC is located in the East Wing of the D. H. Hill Jr. Library.
Directions and parking for the Hill Library
Directions to the Reading Room
Accessibility
The Special Collections Research Center is committed to providing access to our collections and services for all users.
The Special Collections Reading Room is wheelchair-accessible. There are wheelchair-accessible and gender-neutral restrooms on the same floor, as well as vending machines and water fountains. The Reading Room has warm and natural lighting, and it tends to be quiet. Tables are standard-height. View building entry information.
Parking: If you need to use an accessible parking space, please contact us ahead of time so we can arrange a parking pass for you.
Please contact us or call us (919-515-2273) with other questions about access and accommodations.
Care and handling
Special rules and regulations apply when handling materials in the SCRC Reading Room. Rare books must be used on book supports. Gloves are required for certain types of materials. Consult Reading Room staff with any questions about proper handling procedures.
Please note, for the protection of materials, cameras are in use in the Special Collections Reading Room.
Reading Room regulations
- Only pencils are allowed in the Reading Room.
- Food, drink, and gum are prohibited.
- Laptops, other mobile computing devices, and notebooks are allowed in the Reading Room.
- Personal belongings must be secured in the lockers provided.
- Researchers can take cell phone or digital camera pictures (no flash) of materials for research purposes only, except for materials restricted by donors or other rights holders.
- Scanners are prohibited. Uploading images onto social media sites is considered publishing and may be a violation of copyright.
Duplication services
Duplication services are available for a fee. Materials are copied at the discretion of Special Collections staff when safe for the materials and legal. Request reproductions of materials.
We accept payments by check or through our online payment portal.
Policies governing use
- The nature of the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NC State University Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.
- The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
- The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal Right to Privacy acts.
Research assistance
To assist researchers in their work, we can provide:
Contact Us
Phone: 919-515-2273