Researchers must complete an online registration form. Researchers are encouraged to complete the form prior to their planned visit so staff can prepare materials.
Please be aware that there may be blocks of times when the reading room is reserved for class instruction and not available for individual researchers.
In order to maintain security for our collections and remain attentive to our researchers needs, we may limit the number of researchers permitted in the reading room.
Manuscript collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be requested 2 full business days before you plan to visit the reading room. Please limit collection requests to 6 or less boxes total per requester. Collections should be requested through Scout at https://scout.lib.utk.edu/.
Rare books and university archives books are located in Special Collections. University of Tennessee theses and dissertations are stored off-site. Materials do not circulate and may only be viewed in the Special Collections reading room during open hours.
One form of photo ID must be presented upon arrival in the reading room.
Researchers are allowed to bring laptops, notes, pencils (no ink), and paper into the reading room.
All other items must be placed in the lockers provided. Phones must be turned off in the reading room.
Eating and drinking are prohibited.
Materials must remain in the reading room. Materials should be maintained in the order in which they are received by the researcher. Researchers are allowed to have only one box of materials on the table at a time. All other boxes must be stored on the carts provided.
There is no self-service photocopying available in the reading room. Personal scanners are not permitted. Use of digital or smartphone cameras is permitted. Requests to scan materials may be available at: https://www.lib.utk.edu/reproductions/request/
Please contact Special Collections at special@utk.edu if you have questions.