How do I schedule an appointment?
The UCA Archives offers two types of appointments, with links to both located under the Visiting the Archives section of the UCA Archives’ homepage. For researchers who are unsure of what material to view, select Schedule a Reference Appointment. For researchers who have completed the Reference Appointment or know which material to view, simply select Schedule a Research Appointment. Reminder: patrons who are 15 minutes late (or more) will lose their appointment time, and they will need to reschedule.
What if I need quick research help?
For quick research questions, you may select Ask the Archives under the Research Assistance section of the UCA Archives’ homepage, or you may access Archives help on the UCA Torreyson Library’s Chat with a Librarian feature.
What can I bring to my research appointment?
You may find all of the UCA Archives reading room policies and procedures in the UCA Archives Reading Room Policies and Procedures form. UCA Archives Reading Room Policies and Procedures .docx
What forms will I need to complete for my research appointment?
All researchers must complete the UCA Archives Research Registration form and the UCA Archives Reading Room Policies and Procedures form. Regardless of if a researcher has previously visited the UCA Archives, the UCA Archives Reading Room Policies and Procedures form must be completed at every visit to ensure the policies and procedures are adhered to in every visit. Materials needed for the registration form include a form of photo identification (your Driver’s License or UCA ID, for example). UCA Archives Research Registration Form.docx UCA Archives 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. While the UCA Archives 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. UCA Archives Staff will conduct a preliminary research interview prior to approving a patron’s research appointment. The preliminary interview will include discussing with the patron the topic of interest and potential collections and material to be viewed. Researchers’ Guide to the Archives
I noticed there are so many Manuscript Collections…where do I begin when using them for research?
The UCA Archives created a Collection Resource Guide for the Manuscript Collections to help researchers, staff, and patrons navigate the 350+ manuscript collections under our stewardship. While there are a wide range of categories presented, the UCA Archives suggests that the guide be used as a starting point for researchers. Pro tip: read the category and subcategory introductions, footnotes, and appendices for valuable contextual information! Manuscript Collections Resource Guide
Is there any material that I cannot view during my visit?
Unfortunately yes. 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. UCA Archives 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 UCA Archives have a backlog?
Yes. Like many archival institutions, the UCA Archives has a backlog of material to be processed. The UCA Archives is working on strategic planning to address this area of need. For information on newly processed collections, as well as new acquisitions and newly digitized material, check the New to the Archives section on the UCA Archives’ homepage.
What does the UCA Archives accept?
For potential collections, the UCA Archives may accept material which reflects the mission and vision statements, which are in progress, and the collection policy. Before the UCA Archives officially ingests new material, a preliminary visit must take place where UCA Archives Staff can view the material. Once it is determined that the material aligns with the UCA Archives mission and vision statements and collection policy, a Donor Agreement form must be completed for the UCA Archives authority records. University of Central Arkansas Archives Donor Agreement.docx UCA Archives Collection Policy
Are there plans to diversify the collections?
Yes. A key component to the UCA Archives strategic plan is to work with individuals and communities which are historically underrepresented. Steps toward this goal include the UCA Archives work with the UCA Griotte Project and the digitization project for the Women’s Project Collection (M95-03).
Are there any limits to what can be digitized?
Yes. Digital requests will be limited to 1 file or 25 pages, whichever occurs first to best fit the needs and current staffing of the UCA Archives. Additionally, some collection material may be too large to accommodate the current digitization equipment (UCA Archives staff will notify patrons of this during their digital request inquiry).
Who works in the UCA Archives? Who will help me during my visit?
The UCA Archives currently consists of the Head of Archives & Special Collections–Phoenix Smithey; Library Archives Support Specialist–Shelbea Gentry; and Archives Technician–Valerus Quill.
Does the UCA Archives have social media?
Yes! The UCA Archives has accounts on Facebook, and Instagram. (Links to social media are also located on the About Us page.)
Does the UCA Archives have a blog? What is typically posted?
Yes! The UCA Archives has a blog, and typically collection highlights are posted there as well as in-depth posts about new acquisitions and newly digitized collection material.