How to Request Materials

Searching in ArchivesSpace

Requesting for manuscripts and archives collections are managed through ArchivesSpace. If you are searching for book materials, please visit the Emory Library Search interface.

ArchivesSpace provides a centralized search interface for archival and manuscript collections held by the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, the Emory University Archives, Emory Law Archives, Oxford College Archives, Pitts Theology Library Special Collections and Archives, and Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library Historical Collections.

A reminder that ArchivesSpace searches words and phrases used in the finding aids that describe collections, not the words and phrases that appear in documents in the collections themselves. Although some of Emory’s collections are available digitally, access to most archival and manuscript material requires visiting our reading rooms in-person.

Requesting Materials

For manuscripts and archives collections, search for the item you wish to view and then use the Aeon request button to request materials. The Aeon request button will appear on all materials that can be requested:

After clicking on the Aeon request button, you will be directed to the Special Collections Request System logon screen, which will prompt you to register if you do not already have an account. A request form will be automatically filled out for you. On the request form, you can request photoduplication services or add any additional notes about their request. Faculty who have scheduled a class with Special Collections staff may also reserve items for their class session/class activity.

If the item you have requested is located in our off-site storage facility, you will see a message in Aeon that the item will take longer to retrieve.

Each box must be requested separately, so you will need to search and click on the Aeon request button for each item you wish to request. You may select an existing appointment in the Aeon request form to view your materials during the same appointment.

Why is the Aeon button not appearing on the item I want to request?

Some materials are not requestable. This includes items that are restricted, on exhibit, or require using a surrogate for conservation requirements. Restricted items will display the following note rather than the Aeon request button:

You may also see the following note rather than the Aeon button:

This generally appears at higher levels of the collection description (such as the collection level). You need to select a specific item to request. To do so, use the collection organization box on the right hand side of the screen to navigate to a specific item.

This note will also appear for items that are only available digitally. To view digital items, click on the digital item box.

Additional Help

For additional assistance requesting materials or to speak with an archivist, please either visit Ask A Librarian or select a repository to see contact information for Emory's special collections repositories.