The Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center will be reopening on Monday, August 24 on an appointment-only basis for the Fall 2020 semester. Researchers requesting an appointment will need to know what collections they are interested in, the boxes or books they would like to use, and the estimated amount of time they will need to do their research. Currently, in-person appointments are only available to Mason students, faculty, and staff.
SCRC staff will offer virtual services and consultations to assist patrons with research, to help navigate finding aids, to discuss research projects, and to answer questions about the new policies and procedures. Virtual research consultations are available to all and may be requested by emailing speccoll@gmu.edu. SCRC will work to digitize materials if possible; however, digitization will depend on preservation issues, size of request, copyright, and staff availability.
Guidelines for in-person appointments:
- Available for Mason students, faculty, and staff only.
- New researchers will be required to fill out the Researcher Registration form online prior to their appointment.
- Appointments must be made at least 72 hours in advance and are dependent on staff availability, the number of other appointments scheduled, and availability of the requested collections (as all materials will be quarantined for 72 hours after each use).
- Visitors are required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing measures, as outlined in the university’s health and safety guidelines.
Questions? Please contact SCRC at speccoll@gmu.edu.
Note: Policies, procedures, and available services are subject to change at any point during the semester, based on university and library operations status, state guideline updates, and SCRC staff availability. Thank you for your understanding.
