Special Collections Visitor Information

Website: http://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/

• General Information

Special Collections is open to all. When visiting Special Collections for the first time, patrons will be asked to provide proof of identity and to complete a User Registration Form. Researchers must register and may use materials only in the Special Collections Reading Room. Exception: Theses and dissertations are served in a designated location in the reference area. Be sure to read Using the Collections.

• Hours
  Monday through Thursday 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Those who come from a distance are advised to make an appointment with Special Collections staff (library-special@jmu.edu). Fax, mail, email and phone requests will be acknowledged promptly.

• Photocopy/Reproduction Requests
  Due to limited staffing, Special Collections can not guarantee same-day photocopy service.  Every effort is made to complete a copy request within 24 hours.  Special Collections accepts cash and personal checks.

• Email, phone and fax requests for photocopies or scans are filled if physical condition and copyright allow, and to the extent that time allows. Requests for more than 50 pages cannot be accommodated.  PLEASE NOTE:  legibility of photocopied or scanned manuscripts cannot be guaranteed.  A completed Reproduction Request Form should be included with payment before reproductions will be sent.
  
  • Charges for photocopies/scans: MINIMUM CHARGE IS $15 and includes the first 30 pages.  The total charge for up to 50 pages is $25.
     
• Publishing and Permissions
  Those who wish to publish excerpts from any Special Collections materials must complete the appropriate permission form and send it to Special Collections. For collections that are on deposit, Special Collections refers the patron to the proprietary institution with the authority to grant permission for publishing materials from the collection in question. The researcher assumes all responsibility for abiding by U.S. copyright law.
  • If you are seeking permission to use print materials or manuscript/archival collections, please use the Application to Quote or Publish from Collections [you may also complete this electronically here.]
  • If you are seeking permission to use audio/visual material, including transcripts, please use the Application to Quote Publish, or Distrubute Audio/Visual Material.  [There is no electronic form available.]
     
• Parking [see JMU Parking information]
  A parking permit must be hung from the rear view mirror and may be obtained Monday-Friday 7:00 am - 4:30 pm at the ground-level office of the Parking Deck.  To reach the Parking Deck, take the Port Republic Road exit (west) from I81 toward JMU, and make an almost immediate right onto Bluestone Drive (WVPT Public TV is located on the campus side of that corner).  Pass Sonner Hall on the left and take the next left turn after it to the Parking Deck.   From 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 pm, parking permits may be obtained in the main lobby of Sonner Hall.