BTÌìÌÃ

How do I schedule an appointment?

The BTÌìÌÃArchives offers two types of appointments, with links to both located under the Visiting the Archives section of the BTÌìÌÃArchives’ homepage.Ìý For researchers who are unsure of what material to view, select .Ìý For researchers who have completed the Reference Appointment or know which material to view, simply select .Ìý Reminder:Ìý patrons who are 15 minutes late (or more) will lose their appointment time, and they will need to reschedule.ÌýÌýAppointment bookings begin with the earliest time of the appointment time range; for example, an appointment scheduled from 12-4 p.m. has an arrival time of 12 p.m.ÌýÌýThe BTÌìÌÃArchives requires that all members of a research group schedule their own appointment booking to ensure available seating within the Reading Room.

What if I need quick research help?

For quick research questions, you may select under the Research Assistance section of the BTÌìÌÃArchives’ homepage, or you may access Archives help on the BTÌìÌÃTorreyson Library’s Chat with a Librarian feature.

What can I bring to my research appointment?

You may find all of the BTÌìÌÃArchives reading room policies and procedures in the BTÌìÌÃArchives Reading Room Policies and Procedures form.ÌýÌýBTÌìÌÃArchives Reading Room Policies and Procedures .docx

What forms will I need to complete for my research appointment?

All researchers must complete the BTÌìÌÃArchives Research Registration form and the BTÌìÌÃArchives Reading Room Policies and Procedures form.Ìý Regardless of if a researcher has previously visited the BTÌìÌÃArchives, the BTÌìÌÃArchives Reading Room Policies and Procedures form must be completed at every visit to ensure the policies and procedures are adhered to in every visit.Ìý Materials needed for the registration form include a form of photo identification (your Driver’s License or BTÌìÌÃID, for example).ÌýÌýBTÌìÌÃArchives Research Registration Form.docx BTÌìÌÃArchives Reading Room Policies and Procedures .docx

I’ve never conducted research before, how prepared should I be before my visit?

Visiting researchers should have an idea of what material they wish to view, as well as a narrowed research topic.Ìý While the BTÌìÌÃArchives Staff loves researching and facilitating research for patrons, we cannot conduct the research for you but will provide access to materials for your research needs.Ìý BTÌìÌÃArchives Staff will conduct a preliminary research interview prior to approving a patron’s research appointment.Ìý The preliminary interview will include discussing with the patron the topic of interest and potential collections and material to be viewed.ÌýÌýResearchers’ Guide to the Archives

I noticed there are so many Manuscript Collections…where do I begin when using them for research?

The BTÌìÌÃArchives created a Collection Resource Guide for the Manuscript Collections to help researchers, staff, and patrons navigate the 350+ manuscript collections under our stewardship.Ìý While there are a wide range of categories presented, the BTÌìÌÃArchives suggests that the guide be used as a starting point for researchers.Ìý Pro tip:Ìý read the category and subcategory introductions, footnotes, and appendices for valuable contextual information!ÌýÌýManuscript Collections Resource Guide

Is there any material that I cannot view during my visit?

Unfortunately yes.Ìý Several archival holdings are in mediums which are degrading, so material such as reel-to-reel, cassette tape, and VHS may not be available to researchers until the digitization project for these materials is complete.Ìý BTÌìÌÃArchives Staff will notify visiting patrons if the material they wish to view is unavailable at the time of their scheduled appointment.

I noticed that other archives have backlogs, does the BTÌìÌÃArchives have a backlog?

Yes.Ìý Like many archival institutions, the BTÌìÌÃArchives has a backlog of material to be processed.Ìý The BTÌìÌÃArchives is working on strategic planning to address this area of need.Ìý For information on newly processed collections, as well as new acquisitions and newly digitized material, check the New to the Archives section on the BTÌìÌÃArchives’ homepage.

ÌýWhat does the BTÌìÌÃArchives accept?

For potential collections, the BTÌìÌÃArchives may accept material which reflects the mission and vision statements, which are in progress, and the collection policy.Ìý Before the BTÌìÌÃArchives officially ingests new material, a preliminary visit must take place where BTÌìÌÃArchives Staff can view the material.Ìý Once it is determined that the material aligns with the BTÌìÌÃArchives mission and vision statements and collection policy, a Donor Agreement form must be completed for the BTÌìÌÃArchives authority records.ÌýÌýUniversity of Central Arkansas Archives Donor Agreement.docx BTÌìÌÃArchives Collection Policy

Are there any limits to what can be digitized?

Yes.Ìý Digital requests will be limited to 1 file or 25 pages, whichever occurs first to best fit the needs and current staffing of the BTÌìÌÃArchives.Ìý Additionally, some collection material may be too large to accommodate the current digitization equipment (BTÌìÌÃArchives staff will notify patrons of this during their digital request inquiry).

Who works in the BTÌìÌÃArchives?Ìý Who will help me during my visit?

The BTÌìÌÃArchives currently consists of the Head of Archives & Special Collections–Phoenix Smithey; Library Archives Support Specialist–Shelbea Gentry; Mary Cook–Archives Technician II.

Does the BTÌìÌÃArchives have social media?

Yes!Ìý The BTÌìÌÃArchives has accounts on , andÌýÌý(Links to social media are also located on the About Us page.)

Does the BTÌìÌÃArchives have a blog?Ìý What is typically posted?

Yes!Ìý The BTÌìÌÃArchives has a blog, and typically collection highlights are posted there as well as in-depth posts about new acquisitions and newly digitized collection material.