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Special Collections & Archives Guide

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

How to Search Our Collections

These search tools will help get you started, whether your new to archival research or have lots of experience:
Collections Database
  • Finding Aids provide detailed lists and descriptions of all of our collections. Browse or keyword search all of our Finding Aids online.
Other Resources
  • Monarch OneSearch
    • Search our Libraries' main catalog to find rare books, digital collections, finding aids and more!
  • Digital Collections
    • While only a fraction of our collections have been digitized (due to the time and cost), we have made some of our most popular collections freely available online. 
  • ODU Digital Commons
    • Search this digital repository for faculty and student publications, including thesis and dissertations
If you are just getting started or having trouble finding what you need, contact our staff! We are available via email, phone, or by walking in. You can also use the Libraries' chat system, it will just take a bit longer to reach us.

How to Request Collections

Requesting Things from Our Collections

Once you use our search tools to find materials you are interested in, our staff will go into our secure storage area and pull the materials for you. You will need to view the materials in the Special Collections & University Archives Reading Room with supervision from staff. This helps us keep the materials safe and available for future researchers. 

If you are not local and cannot travel to visit us in person, we can provide research services for you. Please use the search tools above to locate what you are interested in, then contact us via email or phone for more details.