The Special Collections and University Archives of Vanderbilt University is open to the public by appointment. Please refer to the information on this page to learn how to schedule appointments and request remote assistance.
Hours of Operation
Reading Room Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm CST, by appointment only.
General Building Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm CST, open to the public.
How to make an appointment
- Patrons must make an account in Aeon which is our system for scheduling appointments and requesting/tracking archival items. Patrons can register an account using our Aeon registration form.
- After making an account with Aeon, you may schedule an appointment through the system.
- Once you've successfully requested an appointment, you can being to request collection materials for your visit. Please find more detailed information on how to request items for on-site use with Aeon here.
- Please email Special Collections to confirm that your appointment and requests were successfully received. Do not travel to the library until you have received confirmation of your request.
Please be advised that the Special Collections Reading Room is open by appointment only, and we must have all requests for your visit(s) at least 3-4 days before your first scheduled appointment. This ensures that all materials you've requested will arrive from our offsite facility on time.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about appointments, specific research questions, or if you need help identifying materials.
Where We Are Located
The Special Collections and University Archives Library is located on Vanderbilt’s campus at the corner of 19th Avenue South and Scarritt Place. Our entrance is located on 18th Avenue South, across from the Scarritt Bennett Center. The Special Collections reading room is located on the first floor in room 113 (straight down the hall upon entering the building).
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, please reference Google Maps or call Special Collections for assistance.
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 handicapped parking near the library. You may also visit the library’s Accessibility Services page.
Parking
Visitor parking is available next door at the Wesley Place Parking Garage on Scarritt Place. There is also paid and free public street parking surrounding our building, and adjacent streets. 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.
Request Remote Research Assistance
If you are unable to visit us in person, we are able to provide remote assistance. Please email us, and a member of our staff will assist you with your request.
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