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. Due to the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19),
the Special Collections Department will not open to researchers without an appointment
during operating hours until further notice. To support social distancing, the reading
room will accommodate only one (1) researcher at a time.
Inquiries for use of the Reading Room
The Special Collections Department will be available for research by appointment only.
Researchers interested in using archival materials, library-use only books, or microfilm
currently housed in the department will need to make an inquiry to ensure the material
sought is available. Once confirmed, researchers will make an appointment with archival
staff. No one without an appointment will be admitted to the department. Researchers
wanting to contact the department can do so by phone, 901-678-2210, or email specialcollections@memphis.edu.
Researcher procedures for the Reading Room
In accordance with University of Memphis requirements based upon the recommendations
of the Centers for Disease Control, researchers will wear a mask upon entering the
Special Collections Department. Staff will provide requested materials from a designated
table in the reading room. Special Collections has a one item at a time policy, and
researchers will return materials to the designated table after use and then retrieve
other requested items provided by staff. Researchers will be permitted to leave for
bathroom breaks or extended breaks and will be given instructions on how to reenter
the reading room.
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. Due to the Novel Coronavirus, in-house staff
has been minimized to ensure social distancing. The Special Collections staff appreciates
your patience in these unprecedented times.
Special Collections Department
University of Memphis Libraries
901-678-2210 or email specialcollections@memphis.edu.
University of Memphis Libraries
901-678-2210 or email specialcollections@memphis.edu.