Visiting the Archives

No, but we strongly recommend making an appointment.  Please check our research room hours for our open hours. If you are considering a visit, please contact us with any questions you may have.

We encourage researchers to use our materials, but we also must preserve them for future scholars as well. Therefore, materials in Special Collections and Archives are not available for borrowing. Materials from our collections may be used in the Reading Room during our open hours.

After you sign in at the Reading Room, you will need to check all of your belongings into an available locker. We have lockers with locks available near the Reading Room on the fourth floor. You may keep loose paper, pencils, laptop computers, and research notes with you. Please be advised that for security of our collections, any material brought into the Reading Room is subject to search prior to leaving.

You can get a photographic copy or digital media file made from photographs from our collections. Please be aware of Copyright and Use of Materials and review our Fees and Ordering Process.

Yes, the use of laptop computers is allowed in the Reading Room, and electrical power outlets are available. However, laptop cases, backpacks, and briefcases must be placed in a locker, as they are not permitted.

We have a Collection Policy (PDF) that outlines the specific subject areas we collect: local and regional history, aviation history, and Wright State University history. This helps the archives focus on materials that are the most relevant to the research needs of our students, faculty, and community.

Personal cameras may be used in the Wright State University, Special Collections and Archives Reading Room under certain conditions, depending on the physical condition of materials, copyright law, and the rules of the Reading Room. This policy seeks to balance research needs and collection preservation while minimizing disruption to other patrons.

Reading Room staff will assess the physical condition of items to be photographed. If an item is too fragile, photography will not be allowed. Please ask about other available options.

All patrons wishing to take digital photographs of Special Collections and Archives materials must sign the Researcher Registration form and comply with the rules specified below:

• Photographs must be for personal use only. Patrons interested in acquiring high resolution, publishable images should ask the Reference Archivist about options. PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN IN THE READING ROOM MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, POSTED ON THE INTERNET, DONATED OR SOLD TO ANOTHER REPOSITORY, OR EXHIBITED. Photography is meant to reduce the need for photocopies and to supplement note taking, not to create a complete personal copy.
• Users are responsible for complying with copyright law. By signing the Research Registration Form, users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Wright State University Special Collections and Archives, its agents and employees against all claims, demands, costs, and expenses incurred by copyright infringement or any other legal or regulatory cause of action arising from the use of these photographs.
• Use of flash equipment is prohibited. Users may be asked to take a test shot to demonstrate that the flash component of the camera is deactivated before proceeding.
• Handle the material with care. If the physical condition of a volume will allow photography, Reading Room staff may assist in positioning the item such that it is fully supported. Do not lay a book flat, attempt to open a volume more than its spine will easily allow, or push down on the leaves of the book to flatten it. Manuscript material must be photographed in its folder, in the order in which it has been arranged. Multiple sheets may not be removed to photograph in a single shot. Please ask if you need assistance.
• Special Collections and Archives staff, the Reading Room, or other researchers may not be photographed without specific permission from the staff or the person being photographed. Care must be taken not to disturb others.

Most materials in the collections may be photocopied, subject to size, condition, and copyright restrictions. There is a self-service copy machine available in the Reading Room. Please check with the Reading Room desk staff if you have any questions concerning making photocopies of materials.

We provides basic reference service via email, telephone, and mail, in addition to assistance to patrons in the Reading Room. We encourage researchers to use our finding aids, catalogs, and digital images online to help focus the research request. Please refer to our research guidelines and fees.