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Special Collections: How-To Research & Access

Quick guide for WashU students, faculty and staff, as well as community researchers

Where to Go

Directions - Danforth Campus

Most Special Collection researchers should go to level one (main level) of the John M. Olin Library. 

After entering the library, go past the grand staircase and look for the wooden doors on the left marked "Julian Edison Department of Special Collections." 

Julian Edison Department of Special Collections door

The closest parking garage is the Danforth University Center (DUC) Garage at 6475 Forsyth Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130

Directions - West Campus

Depending on the materials requested, some research appointments or class visits are scheduled for the West Campus Library. 

Note: This space is not open to non-library staff, unless an appointment in advance has been confirmed.  Details about which door to use, and where to go, will be sent with your appointment. 

exterior of lower level entrance to West Campus

 

Address: West Campus East Building, Lower Level. 7425 Forsyth Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63130

What to do

When you arrive

  • Please sign in / out at the Special Collections front desk

For the safety of the collections:

  • Store ALL bags (including laptop cases), coats, umbrellas, and any food/drink (including water bottles) in the provided closet
  • Use ONLY pencil when writing notes.
  • Keep all materials flat on the table, or in provided book rest

Just ask if you have any questions or concerns!

While in Reading Room 

While researching, you can have at the table:

  • Your laptop or tablet (please store case in closet)
  • Your phone / camera 
  • Pencil and paper (we have some you can use too)

Staff will retrieve all materials from storage for your use in the reading room.

  • As a general guideline you can ask for 6 boxes or 6 books for each day you plan to visit.
    • use the Paging Request Form (or type this same information into an email) to ask for materials.
    • Some materials require more than the usual 1-2 days advance notice for retrieval. 
  • Staff will monitor the room, and are available to assist turning pages, moving materials, and of course to answer questions.

Why is this so complicated?

We want you to use the materials at Special Collections, however extra steps are needed to protect the materials so researchers can access it in the future.

  • Advance appointments give the staff time time to locate your items in storage.
  • Special Collections has millions of items, and digitizing them all is not practical.  So finding aids provide an online way to see what is availle to access when visiting.
  • Filling out paperwork documenting what you use and for what purpose helps us keep track of what items are being used.
  • No food, drink, or pens are allowed in the reading room to prevent any accidental spills that could damage unique or fragile items.