F.A.Q.

Special Collections and Archives is open to the Lewis & Clark College campus and the larger community of scholars. Lewis & Clark College will attempt to meet the needs of all individuals desiring access to special collections materials. Some records, however, are closed to researchers for varying lengths of time due to restriction policies.

Watzek Library’s Special Collections and Archives possess extensive research collections including rare books and manuscripts, archival collections, and digital collections. Complete rare book holdings are included in the Watzek online catalog. Finding aids for most of our major collections can be searched dynamically in the Archives West database. Digitized versions of photographs, manuscripts, books, and audio/video recordings can be found at our LC Digital Collections website.

Due to the uniqueness, fragility, or value of rare books and manuscripts, materials can only be used in the Heritage Reading Room. Some items may require special handling or the assistance of staff to view.

Special Collections and Archives research hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
All other times by appointment.

For more details about our hours, visit our hours calendar.

Special Collections and Archives is located on the second floor of Aubrey R. Watzek Library, room 230.

The Aubrey R. Watzek Library is centrally located on the Lewis & Clark College campus. See our campus map.

Tours of Special Collections and Watzek Library exhibit space are available by prior arrangement. Please contact archives@lclark.edu to request a tour.

Lewis & Clark Special Collections and Archives offers many opportunities for employment, training, and education. Each semester the Special Collections offers opportunities for employment to Lewis & Clark students interested in learning more about work in archives and special collections. We also provide practicum opportunities for visiting library and archives students.

Donations of collections or single items that directly support or complement Lewis & Clark’s Collections should be brought to the attention of the Head of Special Collections.

Copyright compliance is the user’s responsibility. Special Collections does not hold the copyright for most of the items in its holdings. Staff will not advise on the copyright status of works produced after 1922.

Permission to publish, exhibit, broadcast or quote from materials from Watzek Library’s Special Collections and Archives requires written permission of the department head or another appointed agent of the College. The rules governing use of materials in the collections are fully stated on the Research Registration Form.

The Heritage Reading Room and researcher privileges are subject to the following rules:

1. Researchers may use pencil and paper, computers or other electronic devices in the Reading Room.
2. The use of pens or indelible pencils are not permitted in the Reading Room.
3. Rare books and manuscripts may be consulted only in the Reading Room, no material may be removed from the building.
4. All material in the Library must be handled with great care. No marks may be added or erased. No tracings, rubbings, or photographs may be made without specific permission. The arrangement of manuscript pages must not be altered.
5. The Library can make various kinds of reproductions, including digital scans, or photocopies, copyright permitting. Reproduction of material and any incurred cost are subject to Special Collections discretion.
6. Food and beverages are not allowed in the Reading Room.
7. All visiting researchers must complete and sign a Research Registration Form.
8. The Library’s security system includes the use of video recording in the Reading Room.

The use of computers is allowed in the Special Collections Reading Room. Power outlets are also available.

Photography is only permitted with approval of Special Collections staff.

Yes, both Watzek Library and Special Collections are accessible.

Yes, contact Special Collections about reserving the Heritage Room for your class or special event.