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Archives Reference Information

The Archives staff provides reference assistance with the archival collections available at UTSA. Collections held by the Archives can be found listed

• on the Archives website listed by subject or title;
• in UCAT, the UTSA Library's online catalog (searches can be limited to Archives);
• Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO) Database can be searched by keyword or you can browse UTSA Archives collections on TARO.

The main reference service area for the collections is the Archives Reading Room (3.08.01 Institute of Texan Cultures Building, ITC Campus). The Reading Room is open to all faculty, students, and staff of the University of Texas at San Antonio, as well as to visiting scholars, students, and members of the general public. Due to their unique and often delicate nature, archival materials are stored in closed stacks and may not be checked out. Patrons must use the materials in the Reading Room under staff supervision. Upon arrival at the Reading Room, researchers must present valid photo identification and register at the Archives reference desk, agreeing to adhere to Archives regulations for using the collections. For more information on how to use archival materials please see Using Archives: A Guide for Researchers.

Onsite patrons receive first priority, although Archives staff is happy to provide reference assistance through mail, telephone, electronic mail, and fax. Please see the contact information page for ways to reach Archives staff for reference assistance. In all reference requests, please include your name and complete contact information. Questions will be addressed in the order in which they were received, and response time will vary. Generally, only simple reference queries can be addressed via correspondence and telephone.

Please note that due to staffing constraints, Archives staff is not able to provide in-depth research services via telephone/mail/e-mail/fax as part of its reference function. If your research request is in-depth, requiring detailed examination of archival collections, you will be directed to visit the Archives to conduct your own research. If you are unable to conduct your own in-depth research, you may consider hiring your own research assistant to perform the work for you. The Archives adheres to the belief that learning to perform research is part of the educational process for researchers-as well as part of the fun of using archival materials.

While it is often not necessary to inform us when you will be arriving to do research, it is always a good idea to call ahead if you are coming from a long distance. The Reading Room occasionally closes for events and holidays; in such occurrences, announcements will be posted in the Reading Room and/or online.