Special Collections & Archives

Policies & Procedures

Using Materials in Special Collections

Special Collections welcomes use of its materials by anyone. One of the major misconceptions people have about archival materials is that they are only useful to historians. University faculty, staff, students, and administrators are primary users of the collections, but nearly half of our researchers are from the general public: family historians and genealogists, local historians, high school students, property owners, lawyers, journalists, writers, city planners, and architects to name a few.

The first step in using Special Collections materials is to explain your project or interests to staff. This can take five minutes or an hour depending on the complexity of the project. Consulting staff will discuss your project and research strategy and suggest sources available to support the project. Once sources have been identified they will be retrieved for your use.

Because of the nature of these materials the following guidelines must be followed:

• Each user must complete an annual registration form and show a UW-Eau Claire ID or photo ID.
• All users are required to store backpacks, purses, and briefcases in the lockers provided.
• Collections must be used on-site and are not available for checkout.
• Only pencils are allowed in the research area.

Most materials may be photocopied on the Special Collections copier. Copies are $.10 each (the copier is not coin or card operated). There is also a microfilm reader/printer, and printouts are $.10 each (coin-operated).