Our reading rooms are open by appointment only Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. An appointment provides an opportunity to prepare materials in advance and make the best use of your visit.

Schedule a time to visit

Photo of students playing ball from archives and special collections
Services

Access To Collections

The Archives & Special Collections books are cataloged and can be located through IRIS, the University Library's online catalog. These materials carry the SPEC location code. Collections of manuscripts, photos, maps, posters and other items may be indexed and have finding aids available in print or online. Archives & Special Collections materials are available for use in the reading room. Selected collections are held in the Libraries' depository facility. Patons may wish to contact the Archives in advance of a visit in order to request materials.

All researchers requesting Archives & Special Collections materials must register. University of Nebraska students, faculty, or staff are asked to show their university i.d. cards. Non-university researchers are asked to provide another form of photo identification.

Access Restrictions

Some of the collections held by Archives and Special Collections may have restrictions on access or use. Collections may be restricted based on confidentiality, copyright, condition, or by donor request. Archive staff will explain to researchers the reasons for access restrictions. Patrons requesting access to restricted materials must contact the person or agency imposing the restriction. Access to restricted collections cannot be granted without written authority.

Reference Services

When planning to visit the archives, researchers are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment. A staff member can then verify we hold the materials requested and that the archives will be open.

Researchers who are unable to visit in person may contact our facility by e-mail, phone, or letter. We do ask, however, that you make your requests as specific as possible. Staff is limited and is not able to conduct extensive research on behalf of researchers.

If you are unable to visit our facility in person and need to conduct extensive research, we may be able to provide you with the names of researchers in the area. Archives and Special Collections and the University Libraries does not endorse any of the local researchers listed. These names are provided as a convenience only. Any and all arrangements are the responsibility of the patron using a local researcher.

Instructional Services

The department offers classes on archive instruction and will provide introductory tours relating to specific collections. University faculty are asked to call in advance to schedule a class.

Exhibits

Archive staff prepare exhibits that rotate on an irregular basis. These exhibits can be viewed in the reading room, in a display case in the basement of Love South, and in the Porter Case on the second floor of Love South.