Preparing for Your First Visit to the University Archives

Before You Visit

University Archives hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Appointments are strongly recommended.

 

Appointments can be made outside of the specified hours at the discretion and availability of the University Archivist. Please contact the University Archives for further information.

 

A student enjoys the University Archives reading room.

What to Expect

Watch the On the Loose in the MNSU Archives video to get a sense of what to expect during your visit: https://youtu.be/vg42Dpciack

 

At the beginning of your first visit you will be asked to fill out a Register of Readers form. The form lists a number of University Archives policies and asks each visitor to provide identifying information used towards our statistics.

Policies for using archival material in the University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center

1. Please handle the archival material carefully.
2. Pencils are the only writing instruments to be used while working with material from the University Archives. Please do not mark, fold, or alter any materials from the Archives.
3. You may bring paper, notebooks, index cards, or laptop computers into the reading room.  Please do not write on top of materials in the course of note taking.
4. Backpacks, bags, jackets, etc. need to be kept in the designated area away from the research tables.
5. Sign in on the Archives Registration Form every time you use the Archives.
6. Books and manuscripts do not circulate and must be used in the reading room.
7. Keep archival material in its original order. Please limit use to only one box and one folder at any given time.
8. Due to the fragile nature of historical documents, photocopying is allowed at the discretion of the Archives staff.
9. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 USC) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.  “Fair use” guidelines of the U.S. Copyright law apply to the use of archival materials. Individuals are liable for any and all infringements of copyright law.
10. Permission must be obtained in writing before any materials from the collections may be published.
11. Archives staff may ask to look at items in your possession before you leave the Archives.

 

Getting Here

Minnesota State University, Mankato Parking Map

The University Archives and Marilyn J. Lass Center for Minnesota Studies is located on the second floor of Memorial Library. The campus and surrounding area is permit parking only. We recommend campus visitors use the Visitor Pay Lot. The Pay Lot parking rates are located here: https://www.mnsu.edu/campushub/parkingrates/.

Memorial Library Map, Second Floor

The University Archives is located on the north side of the Marilyn J. Lass Center for Minnesota Studies.

 

As always, never hesitate to contact the University Archives with any questions you may have.

 

Mee Xiong is an Archives Technician at Minnesota State University, Mankato.