Can I schedule a class in the archives?

We would be happy to help you with this! [Please refer the professor to the Archivist for more information.]

Some notes if you're answering without the archivist present: 

• • We offer several kinds of sessions: hands-on with original materials; digital primary source research in a classroom; lecture/presentation in a classroom; etc. See the "Teaching with Primary Sources in the Archives" brochure for some examples. 

  • Normally we need the Archivist available to teach or at least assist with the class, but other library staff members could substitute. 

  • The Archives has limited seating so it's best for smaller, seminar-style classes (usually <10 students). For more students, we can either reserve the library conference room, or if appropriate/feasible, have the Archivist visit the normal classroom. 

  • We do allow students to touch the materials after receiving instruction on gentle handling of items, as long as the materials are sturdy enough to stand up to such handling. Do not allow touching of very fragile materials (beware, for example, of disintegrating scrapbooks and fragile art objects). Photographs should be in sleeves. Sessions involving original materials should always be prefaced by a talk on handling. Food, liquids, pens, backpacks and other extraneous materials should be barred from the class tables while materials are out. In general, taking photos is OK.