Archives and Special Collections - Research Visits

• Contact the University Archivist in advance to schedule an appointment. This will ensure that the Archives will be open for your visit.
• Explain your topic of interest to the University Archivist so that materials can be prepared for your arrival ahead of time. This will also allow the Archivist to check that the research materials you seek are, in fact, held in our Archives. The Archivist may refer you to another historical institution for your research. Also, some materials are not open to the public because of confidentiality laws or local restrictions, and the Archivist will be able to let you know if the collection is unavailable for research in advance of your visit.
• What to bring:
• Pencils
• Laptop computer
• Camera
• Loose note paper
• What not to bring:
• Pens
• Spiral-bound notebooks (these can catch on and tear fragile materials)
• Food
• Drink

The University Archives reading room is located on the Garden Level of McKillop Library, located on Ochre Point Avenue across from the O'Hare Academic Center. Please refer to Directions to Salve Regina, or direct a GPS unit to 100 Ochre Point Avenue, the official address of the library. This address will direct you to Ochre Court; the Library .2 mi south of Ochre Point on Ochre Point Avenue, on the opposite side of the street.

Visitors may park in the lot in front of the Library or on the street.

Fill out a researcher registration form about yourself and your research. By signing the form, you will agree to abide by the policies of the Archives and Special Collections. You will be directed to leave all bags, coats, backpacks, computer sleeves, etc., at the designated coat rack and table in the Archives. These items cannot be used at the research table.

Depending on the nature of the material requested, you may be provided with a pair of white cotton gloves which must be worn when handling the specified material. It is always a good idea to wash your hands before coming to the Archives.

With the Archivist's permission, you are permitted to make reproductions of materials using a camera or digital camera of most materials for your personal use at no cost.

• Guide to Effective Research from the Society of American Archivists
• Archives and Special Collections Research Guide

It is often difficult to conduct research by mail or email. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that researchers plan a visit to the Archives. If a visit is not possible, please send a request by mail or email to the archivist. The archivist will do an evaluation of how much time it will take to research and answer the request. Brief requests can often be answered at no charge. More complicated requests, from researchers not affiliated with the Salve Regina University community, may require research fees and reproduction fees.

Research requests from non-affiliated researchers are answered in the order in which they are received. Due to limited staffing, requests often cannot be handled immediately.

The Archivist may be unable to conduct research on behalf of a non-affiliated researcher. In that case, the Archivist will recommend that the researcher hire a local researcher to visit the Archives.

Archival material does not circulate or leave the building. Patrons may request a photocopy, fax, or digital image of the material. Fees may apply for outside researchers or for large orders.

The Archivist will make all photocopies or scans using library equipment, and copies will be clearly marked with a Salve Regina University credit line. Copies of material in poor condition will be made at the discretion of the Archivist. The Archivist will not copy fragile or brittle material if the copy process will cause damage to the original item. The Archivist may also decline to copy material because of access restrictions, privacy or confidentiality concerns, known copyright restrictions, or other identifiable factors. In addition, the Archivist reserves the right to reject any request for copies which would place an undue burden on resources and staff.

These copies, whether physical or digital, are provided for personal research use only. They must not be transferred to any other person or institution and must not be reproduced, published, exhibited, or otherwise distributed without written permission from Salve Regina University. Supplying a photocopy is not an authorization to publish. Patrons should be sure to read the Archives Copyright and Publication Statement.

Copy Fees: Fees must be prepaid by cash, check, or money order in US dollars.

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