Special Collections & Archives

Policies & Procedures

1. Patrons must sign-in to gain access to the Special Collections Reading Room.
2. No food or drinks are allowed in the Reading Room. 
3. All materials are in closed stacks and must be requested at the Special Collections Information Counter.
4. Requests for materials will be taken until 20 minutes before closing.
5. Materials will be picked up 10 minutes before closing.
6. Special Collections materials cannot be checked out of the library, nor be removed from the Reading Room. 
7. The use of pens, markers, scissors and tape are prohibited.
8. The use of pencils and laptop computers is strongly encouraged. 
9. Patrons must request permission from Special Collections staff to use cameras in the Reading Room. 
10. The use of flash photography is strictly prohibited.
11. Requests for photocopy service are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
12. Requests for photocopies will be taken until 15 minutes before closing.

Services

The Special Collections Reading Room is fully proctored.  Assistance is available at the Reading Room Information Counter.

• Research computers with internet access are provided for patron use.
• Microfilm machines, VHS and DVD players are available for patron use.
• Complimentary paper and pencils are provided for patron use within the Reading Room.
• Electrical outlets are available to patrons with laptop computers.
• Photocopying service is available; however, some material may not be suitable for photocopying due to size, fragility, donor agreement terms or other reasons.
• The Special Collections Reading Room is open to the general public, as well as being a resource for TAMIU faculty, students and staff.
• Assistance is available during regularly scheduled hours at the Reading Room Information Counter.

Donations

All material donations are subject to review by the Special Collections Librarian. If you would like to make a financial donation or would like to donate unique materials for placement and/or exhibit in the archive, please contact the Special Collections Librarian. Donated materials may be added to the General Collection when considered outside the scope of Special Collections. Materials which are potentially dangerous (e.g. moldy, acetate film, etc.) may be refused. A donation form must be completed and submitted prior to the transfer of donated materials. 

The Killam Library is unable to perform appraisals of materials.  The responsibility for establishing fair market value of the donated items lies entirely with the donor. For more information, visit the American Society of Appraisers website or contact the Special Collections Librarian for further explanation.

Contact Information