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Access, Reference, and Additional Information

Welcome to the information page for Purdue University Archives and Special Collections. This quick reference page includes information regarding research assistance and in-person appointments, instructional activities and research consultations, donations and records transfers, and other important information.

Research Assistance

Archives and Special Collections provides on-site and virtual research assistance to Purdue University faculty, staff, students, and the general public. For all information requests, email archives@purdue.edu. A staff member will assist you.

Appointments

The information below includes step-by-step instructions for requesting an in-person research visit.

Availability

  • Appointments are recommended and should be requested at least one business day in advance.
  • Appointments are available between 10:00am-4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 10:00am-7:00pm Wednesday; and 12:30pm-4:30pm Friday. Visit the Purdue University Libraries hours page for date-specific hours.
  • ​Appointments are available to members of the Purdue community and general public.

Request Process

  • All researchers must register with Archives and Special Collections to enable efficient processing of your appointment requests. Visit our researcher services site to register.
  • To request an appointment, email archives@purdue.edu. Include your name, list of collections and boxes you wish to view, and your desired appointment date and time. If you are requesting these items as part of a Purdue University course, please indicate the course number and title in your message as well.
  • Archives and Special Collections will confirm an appointment date, time, and materials to be accessed during the research visit.

Day of Appointment

  • If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of any kind please stay home and re-schedule your appointment.
  • Follow the health and safety guidance provided by the Protect Purdue Plan and on-site by Archives and Special Collections. Archival staff will provide guidance and assist with any questions.
    • Masks are optional.
    • When possible maintain appropriate social distancing.
    • All researchers are expected to wash and sanitize hands thoroughly prior to handling collection materials.
    • No food or drink is allowed within Archives and Special Collections.
  • Review the directions provided in your appointment confirmation. Make plans to arrive on time for your appointment; if you are late you may be asked to wait until other scheduled researcher check-ins are completed.
  • Be respectful of other researchers and staff by ending your appointment on time.

Classroom Instruction and Research Consultations

Archivists are available for remote instructional activities or research consultations. For more information visit our class visits and instruction page.

Donations and Transfers to Archives and Special Collections

Archives and Special Collections welcomes donations by individuals and records transfers by Purdue University departments in order to preserve the history of Purdue University. For more information about the types of materials that can be donated or transferred visit https://www.lib.purdue.edu/spcol/transfer. Email archives@purdue.edu if you wish to initiate a donation or transfer, and an archivist will be happy to speak with you.

Additional Information