The University Archives holds historical university records and private records acquired by the university to support research and teaching activities.
We make records open and available to the public as much as possible. At the same time, we have obligations to honour donation agreements, safeguard privacy, and ensure the long-term preservation of our collections. Please view our Accessing Archival Material page or contact archives@dal.ca for more details.
Most of the University Archives' collections can only be accessed in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room on the 5th floor of the Killam Memorial Library. Requests to access material typically require one or more reference codes (i.e., call number) that each consist of a collection ID, a box number, and a folder number.
Once you have identified material you want to view, there are a few simple steps:
For assistance:
Once you have identified the material you want to view, you can submit a retreival request to staff in the Archives. This can be done in a few ways:
You will need to visit the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room to view the material regardless of how you submit your retrieval request.
Our request slips are used for archival materials and materials from the Special Collections Department. The request slips have room for you to write some key information about your request:
After you submit your retrieval request, staff will retrieve the materials you requested and bring them to you. When you are viewing the material, you will be asked to leave your DalCard or other photo ID at the Reference Desk.
You are free to view the material anywhere in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. You can request photocopies or digital copies of material. All copying is done by Archives staff in accordance with Canadian copyright legislation.
Archival material can be fragile. This guide contains guidelines on handling archival material. Staff may give you cradles to support fragile bindings or white gloves to handle photographs.
Pens and highlighters are not allowed in the Reading Room. Bring pencils or your laptop to take notes.
When you're finished using the materials you requested, bring them back to the Reference Desk. Archives and Special Collections staff will return your DalCard or Photo ID and return the materials back in the archives for safe storage.
If you are planning on coming back to use the materials, notify the staff. We can give you the carbon copy of your request form so you have the retrieval information handy. We can also temporarily store the materials for you so they will be readily available for your next visit.