Special Collections and University Archives 
Access Policy

The policies listed here are intended to provide researchers with the fullest access possible to the collections in Special Collections and University Archives while maintaining the physical and intellectual integrity of the materials.

Access

Researchers may use Colgate's Library Catalog or the online finding aids to identify and locate items in Special Collections and University Archives. Please be aware that some collections are not yet cataloged or described and therefore are not discoverable in the library catalog or in the online collection guides. Please send our department an email if you need assistance in discovering materials.

Researchers, especially those from out-of-town, are required to make an appointment before visiting to ensure staff and material availability. It is recommended that researchers inform department personnel of their research topic 24 hours in advance of their visit. Please be advised that the reading room can be somewhat cold.

SCUA Materials Retrieval

When requesting materials, please plan ahead as far as possible. We recommend that you allow 24 hours, not including weekends, for materials to be retrieved. SCUA personnel will make every effort to make material accessible to researchers in a timely manner.

Some material will need to be reviewed by SCUA personnel before it can be made available to researchers. Please refer to the Special Collections and University Archives Restricted Records policy for further information on restrictions.

If SCUA personnel determine that your request contains material that must be reviewed, please allow two weeks for it to be made available. Collections containing material that is likely to require review include, but are not limited to: A1002, the President's Office records; A1003, the Office of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty records; and A1004, the Dean of the College records.