The Department of Special Collections is now open to all outside researchers. To review procedures for Reading Room policies and how to request materials in advance of visit, please review this page. The Reading Room hours are 9-5, but materials should be returned to the main desk at 4:45. If there are any questions or concerns, please write to specialcollections@stanford.edu.
Request materials in advance
Since all of our materials are located in remote facilities, patrons must request materials two full business days before planned date of use. In some cases, paging may take up to a week. All of our materials can be paged online. Please note that due to space constraints in the Reading Room, patrons can only request 5 boxes per day.
Paging materials must take place via the Libraries’ online catalog, Searchworks, which also provides high level information about all of our collections. Searchworks may also provide links to finding aids (detailed collection guides) hosted by the Online Archive of California, as well as offer links to related online content, if any exists.
We recommend starting your search with Searchworks, then using the Online Archive of California to search across or within finding aids, to determine the specific boxes from a collection that you wish to examine. The Online Archive of California provides helpful information about searching finding aids. Remember that all requests to access materials must be made from within Searchworks.
Researching in the Field Reading Room
Make sure to review our reading room policies before you visit so you will know what to expect during your time with us. If you are not able to travel to campus to view materials, you may wish to consult our duplication page.
Duplication
Scanning of documents is done by Special Collections staff only. The department reserves the right to refuse the scanning of materials if they are fragile or may be damaged by the duplication process. Providing PDF files does not constitute permission to publish or reproduce images in print or electronic form. For more information regarding our duplication services, please our section on requesting copies. Please note that we do not scan entire books or manuscript boxes (or substantial portions of either) unless authorized.
Permission to publish or broadcast
Formal written permission is required from the Department of Special Collections and University Archives prior to publishing or rebroadcasting any item or work, in whole or in part, held by the Department. For permission to publish or quote from any of our materials, please submit your request to the department. More information can be found on our permissions page.
