Accessing the Archives
Materials in the Archives and Manuscript Collections do not circulate and must be used in the library. Unless otherwise noted, all of the materials described in Emma require an appointment for use. The Archives are open to everyone, as long as you make an appointment and agree to follow the reading room rules described below.
Miss Mary E Ingalls, Museum Attendant, circa 1892-1902; v1972.1.1057a
Appointments
Appointments must be requested at least one week in advance, and are available during open library hours: Wed-Fri from 1-5 PM. Scholars or out of town researchers interested in doing extensive research in the collections may request additional appointments outside of these hours; requests will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. To request an appointment, please fill out our online form.
Reading Room Rules
Researchers in the library are required to fill out a registration form, check coats and bags, and agree to abide by our reading room rules. There is no food or drink allowed in the library. Researchers are asked to bring pencils; we do not allow the of use ink pens, markers, highlighters or any other writing utensil that can leave a permanent mark on materials. Laptops are allowed, but please note that there is no wireless Internet access in the library and a limited number of electrical outlets are available. Prior to handling fragile or rare materials, we may request that you wash your hands or wear gloves, which we will provide.