Guidelines for the Use of Special Collections 

Access policy 

Special Collections is open to any researcher, professional or non-professional, who is working on a specific research project.  TCU-affiliation is not a requirement for gaining access to Special Collections material.

Registration and security regulations

Initial registration with photo identification is required of each researcher prior to his/her first use of archival material during the fiscal year.

Daily sign-in in the reading room is required.

Backpacks, briefcases, purses, laptop computer cases, coats, and other non-essential research items are to be stored in designated areas in the reading room.

Use of materials

Food and drink are prohibited in the reading room.

Pencils must be used when taking notes.  The use of pens is not permitted in the reading room.

Handle items with care.  Items should not be marked on, traced on, folded anew, or altered in any way.  Special gloves may be required to handle some material.

The existing order and arrangement of archival material must be maintained.  If an item appears to be out of order, please tell a staff member.  To aid in maintaining the existing order, please have only one box at a time open on your table and only one file folder out of that box.

Occasionally, written permission is required to use archival holdings, and some are closed for a period of time by the donor.  Consult with staff concerning access to these collections.

Access may be denied when papers are awaiting processing or when the physical condition of material warrants.  Consult with staff concerning these restrictions.