Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Special Collections & Archives Guide

Learn how to access, use and experiment with primary resources in the learning laboratory!

Fall 2021 Appointments for ODU Community

Operations for Spring Semester 2022: Due to our ongoing expansion into a new location in Perry Library, we are offering virtual research services to all researchers and limited research appointments to the ODU community Monday through Thursday between 10:00am – 4:00pm. We require two business days’ notice. To make an appointment, please fill out and submit our Appointment Request Form.

At this time, we are unable to accept onsite researchers from outside of the Old Dominion University academic community to protect the health and safety of our campus. Our staff will conduct research and digitize materials for both ODU and outside researchers. Please email us at libspecialcollections@odu.edu with requests for appointments, virtual research help, and any other questions. 

As part of our commitment to access, we have digitized and made some of our most heavily used collections available online: https://dc.lib.odu.edu/ 

  • You must wear a face covering at all times and maintain adequate social distancing of six feet. Library staff must also wear a face covering and maintain social distance.
  • You must wash your hands in the bathroom before your appointment. Hand sanitizer may not be used before the appointment. There is a hand sanitizer station outside of the Reading Room that can be used after your appointment.
  • The front door of the Reading Room will be locked; staff will unlock the door for you once you arrive.
  • You will be asked to place your personal items (including bags and outerwear) in a secure locker. Lockers will be cleaned before and after each appointment. 
  • Requested boxes and items will be staged for you before your appointment. You must tell Library staff in advance which specific archival boxes, rare books, or artifacts you will need for your appointment. Staff cannot pull additional materials for you during the appointment.
  • You will be provided an individual “Research Kit” containing the items and forms you will need during your appointment
  • Be sure to bring a camera, smart phone, or other electronic device with a camera  to take pictures of materials
  • If staff are required to leave the Reading Room for any reason, you will be instructed to wait outside the department
  • Staff will clean and disinfect the designated research desk before and after your appointment