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Plan your visit - Arts and Special Collections Research Center

FAQs

Who can use Special Collections?

  • Anyone! We welcome and encourage anyone who is researching, investigating, working as a group or class, instructing, or just curious.

Do I need to make an appointment to use Special Collections?

  • Appointments are not required, but visitors are strongly encouraged to schedule a visit to ensure that staff and rooms are available for your use. Visit this page for more information:

When are Special Collections open?

  • Appointments are typically made during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

What is the oldest book in the rare and special collections?

  • Our oldest materials are the manuscript facsimiles that date back to the 4th century. The oldest original item is a music manuscript leaf from 1070 and our oldest original book is the "Sermones de patientia in Job et de poenitentia" by John Chrysostom from 1471.

Can I check out books and other items from Special Collections?

  • All collections are non-circulating and must be viewed in the Arts Center Reading Room

How can I find materials in Special Collections?

  • All available items are searchable through the libraries' online catalog.
  • Once you've entered your search terms and retrieved hits, you can filter by one of the special collection libraries and locations.
  • Special collections materials are housed in closed stacks that are not open to the public, so you will need to schedule a visit to view the materials.

Can I make copies?

  • You can take a picture with your camera or phone (no flash, please); but staff will need to assist if you need a digital copy of any of these materials.

How can I find information about my old books?

  • Check out this website 'Your Old Books' (http://rbms.info/yob/ ). It is full of great information on books you may own.

Can I donate books?

  • The libraries do not typically add gift books to our general collections; however, if materials are published pre-1901, we might consider a donation if the titles are a match and benefit our special collections.

University Libraries

One Bear Place #97148
Waco, TX 76798-7148

(254) 710-6702