The Special Collections reading room is open by appointment. To book an appointment, please register for an account through our registration form. Then, contact us by email at specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu to set up an appointment.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm CST.
About appointments
- For the security of our collections, the number of researchers allowed in the reading room will be limited.
- We follow University protocol to enhance the safety of our spaces. Face masks are optional.
- Appointments will be scheduled in two-hour research blocks. You may book up to two sessions per day.
- Please allow 48-72 hours’ notice when making appointments. Many of our materials are shelved offsite and require sufficient time for safe retrieval and access. If you need an exception, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu.
- We are unable to offer on-site photocopying services. You may use your cell phone or a digital camera to take photos (without flash) of materials.
How to make an appointment
- Register for a patron account using our registration form.
- Email us at specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu to start the conversation about your research needs and to schedule your appointment. Let us know your research topic, what items interest you, and/or if you need help identifying materials. Please tell us if you expect to require multiple visits so we can discuss your options.
- Do not travel to the library until you’ve received an email confirming your appointment and requests.
How to Request an Item for On-Site Use
Due to storage limitations at our campus location, our collections must be requested 2-3 days before your visit in order to be retrieved and sent to the reading room in time for your appointment. To manage these requests, Special Collections uses archival management software called Aeon. Please visit our Aeon page for information on how to request specific books, manuscript boxes, or other content.
On the day of your appointment
On the day of your appointment- Please wash and dry your hands thoroughly before entering the reading room. Hand sanitizer will be available, but hands must be completely dry before touching any materials.
- Researchers will need to present a valid photo ID or Vanderbilt ID at the beginning of each visit.
- You may bring the following with you into the reading room:
- Laptop (without bag or sleeve)
- Cell phone (set to vibrate or silent)
- Camera
- Pencils
Before You Arrive
Our materials may only be viewed in the Special Collections reading room in Room 108 of the 1101 Building at the corner of 19th Avenue South and Scarritt Place, next to the Wesley Parking Garage. If you have mobility and/or access concerns, please contact us in advance of your visit and we can help make arrangements, including assistance finding disability parking near the library. You may also visit the library’s Accessibility Services page.
Book a Class
Special Collections Librarians are available to provide online instruction and assist in designing assignments using our collections. If you are interested in bringing your class to Special Collections, fill out our request form, or contact Special Collections directly.
Where We Are Located
The Special Collections and University Archives Library is located in midtown Nashville on Vanderbilt’s campus at the corner of 19th Avenue South and Scarritt Place. Special Collections is located on the first floor. Our entrance is located on 19th Avenue South, across from the Scarritt Bennett Center..
Our physical address:
1101 19th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212-2109
For general directions on reaching the Vanderbilt campus from Nashville’s major freeways, visit VU’s Vicinity Map. If you need detailed driving directions, try visiting Google Maps or call Special Collections at 615-322-2807 for assistance.
Parking
Visitor parking is available next door at the Wesley Place Parking Garage on Scarritt Place. Vanderbilt’s Vicinity Map includes written directions to public parking areas on campus, or you may use the Visitor Campus Map. Visit the Office of Traffic and Parking for other campus maps and parking regulations.
There is also metered parking along Scarritt Place and 19th Avenue South.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Special Collections and University Archives
Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries
Vanderbilt University
1101 19th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212-2109
Phone: 615-322-2807
Email Vanderbilt University Archives: specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu
Email Special Collections: specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu