Using the Archives
The University Archives encourages use of its collections by all interested persons. Archival materials do not circulate but are available for use in our reading room. The Archives is open by appointment only; please contact the University Archivist to schedule an appointment and ensure the availbility of materials.
Jackets, briefcases and other bags must be stored in a locker at the entrance of the Archives. The Archives cannot assume responsibility for personal items.
A limited number of electrical outlets are available to accommodate laptop computers. Researchers are requested to use pencils only for note-taking.
Researchers are asked to handle all material with care. Many items are fragile, one-of-a-kind, and irreplaceable. Researchers are expected to maintain the original filing order of the materials and to notify the archivist if items are misfiled or found in disorder.
Stack areas are closed to researchers. Materials must be returned to the archivist for reshelving.
Access to some materials may be restricted for reasons of confidentiality and legality. Unprocessed collections are unavailable for research until they have been reviewed for material that may contain sensitive or private information.
The archivist is happy to receive copies of any paper, article or other work which is a result of research done in the Archives. Citations should include the name of the collection followed by the name of the repository, such as The Gladys Swarthout Collection, University Archives, University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Access to certain classes of records is restricted by federal law or request of donor. These include:
- Individual education records of living students or living former students as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, unless the student or former student grants access in writing.
- Individual employment records of living, current or former faculty members, administrators or other staff members, including records which concern hiring, appointment, promotion, tenure, performance, termination or other circumstances of employment.
- Records where usage might constitute an invasion of privacy or which are currently in litigation.
- Records the use of which has been restricted by Deed of Gift.