Reading Room Use Policy
The University Libraries Special Collections Department is dedicated to supporting
the academic success of University of Memphis students and providing exceptional information
and service to our campus community and beyond.
Inquiries for use of the Reading Room
The Special Collections Department will be available for research by appointment only.
It is recommended that researchers interested in using archival materials, library-use only books, or microfilm
currently housed in the department make an inquiry to ensure the material sought is available. Researchers can make an appointment to visit the Reading Room by using the Libraries’ reservation system. You may also reach out to the department by e-mailing specialcollections@memphis.edu or by phone, 901.678.2210.
Researcher procedures for the Reading Room
Researchers will be asked to store their belongings behind the Reading Room desk for
the duration of their appointment. The Department allows researchers to have one archival
item at a time for use. Researchers will be given additional archival materials by
Departmental Staff upon request and with the return of the previous item.
The Department allows researchers to use mobile phones to take non-flash images in
the reading room. Cameras, tripods, stabilizing devices, other camera or imaging equipment,
and scanners are not permitted in the Reading Room. For information about reproducing
archival material, please refer to our reproduction policy.
Remote access to Special Collections
Many inquiries to Special Collections can be fulfilled through telephone and email
and the use of such means is encouraged. If a request can be completed in this manner,
Special Collections staff will work with the researcher to fulfill the request without
requiring a visit to Special Collections.
