Accessing the Collections

Most Special Collections books are searchable on the University of Calgary Library Catalogue. Individual archival holdings, consisting of correspondence, original manuscripts, photographs, sound recordings, etc. require the use of special finding aids. Some collections have online finding aids, while other finding aids are available only in the Reading Room. Contact us if you have any questions about the collections or require assistance.

Accessing Materials:

Since many of the items housed in Special Collections are rare, unique or fragile, special care must be taken when handling them. The co-operation of researchers is requested in order to preserve the materials. All of the materials are non-circulating and may only be used in the Reading Room.

To access materials, researchers will be asked to complete a request slip with the author, call number, and or accession number. Present the slip and a photo identification card at the reference desk. The material will be brought to you in the Reading Room. Please note that some materials are stored offsite and will require at least 24 hours for retrieval.

In order to preserve these materials, please observe the following:

• All coats, bags and cases must be stored in the lockers provided.
• Only pencils are used for note-taking in the Reading Room.
• Eating and drinking are not permitted.
• Cotton gloves (supplied) may be required for the handling of some materials.
• Books must be placed flat on the table or be supported on a bookstand. Book weights for holding pages open are available at the Reference Desk.
• Archival materials must be kept in the order in which they are placed in a folder and must not be re-arranged or removed from the folder.

All materials must be returned to the reference staff member before you leave the Reading Room. If you plan to return later to consult the material, please inform the staff member so your material can be placed on hold for you.

Photocopying:

The Canadian Copyright Act applies to our materials. The researcher must assume all responsibility for questions of copyright in the use of the copies.

Photocopying is only done by, and at the discretion of, the Reading Room staff. If there is a chance for damage to occur during photocopying, none will be done for that item.

In some instances, there may be a 24 hour wait for photocopying to be completed.

Electronic scanning or digital photography of materials may be done only at the discretion of Reading Room staff and in compliance with the Canadian Copyright Act.

Fees: Contact us regarding charges for specific services.