Visit Special Collections
To maximize your time with us, it’s best to notify us before a visit so that we can have materials pulled and waiting for you. Please contact us by email or phone at (309) 438-2871 to assist us in preparing the materials you may need. If you don’t know which materials you would like to view, you can search our online list of finding aids to find archival materials or our library catalog to find books.
Materials
Some of the materials in Special Collections are fragile so there are special handling and copying procedures in the Reading Room:
- All bags must be left at the front of the room
- Photography of materials is allowed with phones or digital cameras, as long as the flash is turned off
- Not all materials can withstand photocopier use, but if staff agrees that items may be photocopied the cost is 10 cents per page
- Only pencils and laptops are permitted for note taking in the Reading Room
Usage of Copied Materials
A Materials Usage Agreement Form needs to be filled out, signed, and returned to the address indicated on the form for materials requested to be reproduced for use elsewhere.
Planning a Class
One of the goals of Special Collections staff is to integrate materials held here into the curriculum offered at Illinois State University. Please contact us by email or phone at (309) 438-2871 to facilitate your class visit.
Information that we will find helpful includes your name and department, the course name and number, the number of students enrolled, and tentative dates for a visit. We will work with you to identify the best materials to use in your class.
Note: All class sessions need to be held in Special Collections (or online with prior arrangement).
Room capacity maximum: 30