University Archives

Visiting the University Archives

The Archives Reading Room

The University Archives, The Ohio Public Policy Archives and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Archival Program are all part of The Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections. The Archives Reading Room is used primarily for individual research and for use of the archival collections.


Masks

Masks are now optional on Ohio State campuses, including residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, recreation facilities, offices and the Ohio Union.


Planning your visit

Reading Room appointments are required and are available for scheduling during the following times:

  • Monday: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM

Make an Appointment 

Appointments will be required during the initial reopening phase to ensure material can be prepared in advance. Email us at archives@osu.edu to schedule an appointment.

Appointment date and time must be confirmed. Do not visit unless you have received your confirmation.

Send Us a Request List

To find items relevant to your research, see our Special Collections Registry. Or contact an archivist at archives@osu.edu or 614-292-2409.  In the list, be sure to include important details about the item, including the folder title and box number, so we are sure to prepare the correct item. 

Submit Research Application 

Please complete a Special Collections Research Application in advance of your visit, if you have not done so within the current calendar year. A staff member will send you this form, along with instructions, via email.

Review Reading Room Policies

Please review our Reading Room Policies.  These policies are in place to preserve and protect collection materials.  

Consult with Library Staff 

If you have questions regarding your research, or if you need help finding materials, we recommend consulting with library staff in advance. Please contact us at: archives@osu.edu.


Day of Your Visit

If you are feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID-19, cancel your appointment and reschedule at a later date. 

Parking

We have metered parking spaces available for patrons without a University parking pass. The meters cost $2.25 per hour, and they take either quarters or credit cards. We also offer day passes for purchase at $10.25 for a full day.

You can also pay for parking online using CampusParc or ParkMobile.

Arrival & Sign-in

We are located at the University Archives/Library Book Depository Building. We have the right to ask you to leave if you fail to comply with university polices.

When you enter the University Archives, please call staff at 614-292-2409 to notify them that you have arrived for your appointment so that they can let you in the building.

Store Belongings and Set-up

We will ask that you place all personal belongings in the assigned lockers provided (located just outside the Archives lobby door). All food and drink must be kept outside of the Reading Room, no exceptions.

While you conduct your research, you may have paper and pencils, or a laptop computer at the table with you. No other materials will be permitted.  As a precaution to protect library materials, pens may not be used for note-taking during research.

Using Materials

You are permitted one box at a time and may only use one folder at a time. As you finish with each box, you may return it to your book truck in exchange for another. If you would like to page additional items, there may be limitations to paging materials the same day. Please ask staff for assistance

Computer Access

Bring your own laptop or tablet as no public computers will be available.  

Wireless access is available through WiFi@OSU. Instructions for setting up access can be found through our Office of Technology and Digital Innovation Department (OTDI).

High-Resolution Reproductions 

High-resolution scans are available. Ask an archivist for more information.

Photocopy Reproductions

To request photocopies, you will be asked to mark items for reproduction with placeholders and to compile a corresponding list of the items to be reproduced.  

If you would like photocopies from a folder of loose pages, please leave the items in their original order, and use the placeholders to distinguish the locations of your requests.

Digital Photography

If you plan to take photographs with a camera, please let archives staff know in advance by contacting archives@osu.edu.

The Ohio State University Libraries do not own the copyright to all of the materials in its collections. Copyright may belong to the creator, their estate, or assignee, although some materials may fall into the public domain. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, securing appropriate permissions for use and publication of reproduced materials, and fully crediting sources as required under the Research Registration & Handling Policy. If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction of a copyright protected work for purposes beyond those permitted by the copyright owner or any statutory exception, including fair use, that user may be liable for copyright infringement. The Ohio State University Libraries do not make any representations as to the validity of third-party copyright claims.

Wrapping up

When you have completed researching for the day, please inform the Archives staff member that you have finished and if you plan on returning for a future visit.