Access, Reference, and Additional Information

Archives and Special Collections requires appointments for all reading room use. Exhibit visitors do not need to make an appointment.

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.

Researchers may make appointments, submit requests, track past and current research projects, download citations, and more through our Researcher Services site. Register an account to begin.

Upcoming Hours Changes

Archives and Special Collections is open Fall and Spring semester between 10:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday and between 10:00am-4:30pm Monday through Thursday during Summer. Archives and Special Collections will have modified hours the following date(s):

  • November 25, 2026: Open 10:00-1:00
  • November 26, 2026 – November 27, 2026: Closed (Thanksgiving holiday)
  • December 21, 2026 – December 23, 2026: Closed (Staff Collections Management)
  • December 24, 2026 – January 1, 2027: Closed (Winter Break)
  • January 4, 2027 – January 6, 2027: Closed (Staff Collections Management)
  • January 7, 2027 – January 8, 2027: Open 10:00-1:00
  • January 18, 2027: Closed (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
  • March 15, 2027 – March 19, 2027: Open 10:00-1:00 (Spring Break)

Research Assistance

Archives and Special Collections provides on-site and virtual research assistance to Purdue University faculty, staff, students, and the general public. For research guidance email archives@purdue.edu.

Our team is happy to provide research consultations and reference assistance to help your search for archival resources. Due to the volume of queries we are not able to conduct in-depth research on behalf of researchers. Please search for, view, and request archival materials, rare book collections, and digital collections online. You are encouraged to make an appointment and request materials to view in our reading room to explore detailed research questions on your own. If you are unable to visit our reading room, we recommend locating an independent researcher.

If you are using artificial intelligence (AI) to compile records or resources, be aware that tools may invent records that do not exist. Please search our online catalogs before seeking research assistance or requesting materials. Additionally, please ensure that AI-generated inquiries clearly and concisely state your research question.

Appointments

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

AVAILABILITY

  • ​​Appointments are required for all reading room research visits. (Exhibit visitors do not need to make an appointment.)
  • Appointments are available to members of the Purdue community and general public.
  • Appointments should be made at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability of collections.
  • Hours
    • During the Fall and Spring semester appointments are available between 10:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday.
    • During summer (period between end of Spring semester and beginning of Fall semester) appointments are available between 10:00am-4:30pm Monday through Thursday.
    • Hours may change under special circumstances. Visit the Purdue University Libraries hours page for date-specific hours.

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.
  • Appointments to view materials within Archives and Special Collections are made through the researcher services site. If you are requesting these items as part of a Purdue University course, please indicate the course number and title in your appointment request as well.
  • Following an appointment request Archives and Special Collections will confirm the appointment or respond with any questions. Researchers may track their appointment(s) and material request(s) through the researcher services site.