Services

Online Research Consultation

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We encourage our patrons and scholars to initiate their research inquiries online. To get started, please submit your Online Research Request.

Need help submitting the form? Watch this video demo.

Before Your Consultation

Our staff will confirm your appointment time and send you a calendar invitation by email. If you selected a video chat meeting, then the invitation will include additional details about logging into the meeting via MS Teams or Zoom.

After Your Consultation

Citations

Please use the following format for citation of archival materials used in research and publication:

[Title of Collection]; [item description], [dates]. [Number of Collection], Box [#], Folder [#], [name of item, e.g. Photograph of McAllen, 1951]. University Library, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, [Edinburg or Brownsville], Texas.

Licensing and Reproductions

If you would like to use one or more of Special Collections & University Archives' resources for publication, whether in print or online, you must fill out a licensing and reproduction form. Please complete the Agreement for Use of Reproductions of Materials and email it as an attachment to archives@utrgv.edu. Feel free to contact us for additional assistance or to address your questions and concerns.

• Request and Agreement for Use of Reproductions of Materials Form. This form is used to request the reproduction of materials in our collections.

Campus Research Visit

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Campus research visits are available. Book your SCA Appointment online!

To request an appointment, select SCA from the menu and pick your desired date and time. You will receive an email confirmation for your appointment booking.

Please note: UTRGV users should request appointments using their institutional email address.

Background Research

To maximize your time at Special Collections & University Archives, background research will be conducted by library staff ahead of your visit. Therefore, the more information you can provide in advance, the better, i.e., full names, dates, places, and specific documents.

If you have not done so already, then please consider submitting an Online Research Request prior to your visit to help our staff identify relevant resources.

When completing the online form be sure to enter your existing appointment date when requested.

Best Practices for All Patrons

We recommend the following best practices an effort to make the most of your on-campus visit—students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Click here for detailed information on what to expect during your visit.

• Advance Notice Is Required: Avoid an unnecessary trip! Ensure we will be open and available, and the requested materials will be ready for prior to your visit. Request an appointment.
• Arrive on Time: Don't be late! Appointments are reserved based on the limited space and staff available, and late arrivals will reduce your research time.
• No Photocopies or Scanning: Bring your digital camera or smartphone! Research materials are in-library use only and photocopies are not available. Non-flash photography is permitted.
• What to Bring with You: Less is more! Paper, pencils (no pens), laptop or tablets (no cases), and digital camera or smartphone for photographing materials. Lockers are available to store bags, backpacks, and personal items during your visit.
• Eat Before Your Visit: Food and drink are not permitted in our reading rooms.
• Obtain a Parking Permit: If you are not affiliated with the University, then you may wish to inquire with Parking Services.

Instructional Sessions

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During instructional sessions Special Collections & Archives staff introduce users to our services and resources, including booking appointments, finding primary and secondary sources via electronic and traditional methods using our library catalog, finding aids, databases, and our institutional repository.

Special Collections and Archives hosts virtual (asynchronous/synchronous) and traditional (in-person) informational sessions for our UTRGV faculty and students, including research instruction, collections orientations, tours, and assignment-based research projects.

On-Campus Instructional Sessions & Tours Limited

The number of participants attending on-campus instructional sessions & tours is limited to 15 students per session. Larger classes and groups should consider booking multiple sessions or a virtual session.

Instruction Request

Instructional requests should be submitted two weeks in advance to allow us to adequately prepare for the instructional session.