Our collections are consulted by researchers in the Cleanth Brooks Reading Room under our supervision. To assist researchers, we prepare a detailed manuscript register or written inventory of the contents of each collection, including a biographical sketch, and the collection is catalogued in ANNA, the online catalog of the University Libraries. Notebooks, pencils, and portable computers are allowed in the Reading Room. Patrons should have their Universitiy or other photo identification available. The call numbers of books, available on the ANNA online catalog, and the collection numbers of manuscript collections, available on ANNA and in the manuscript registers located at the reference desk, are required.
Reference librarians are available to assist patrons.
It is advisable to consult secondary or published sources before beginning research in primary sources. Research in primary sources is often time-consuming, so allow adequate time to consult McCain Library and Archives materials. Materials do not circulate but copies may be provided within the limitations of the U.S. copyright law unless the originals are too fragile to copy. Part or all of some collections may be restricted by donors to protect privacy rights. Unprocessed or partially processed collections may not be available for research until processing has been completed.