FAQs about the University Archives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Appointments are not required Monday - Friday but are highly encouraged, as most of our collections are stored offsite. Researchers must request their materials at least one (1) business day in advance of their visit to ensure they will be available for use. To make an appointment, email archives@iu.edu or call (812) 855-1127.
Saturday visits are by appointment only, Appointments must be made by 5:00 PM on the preceding Thursday of that week.
No, like most archives and special collection repositories, materials in the collections are non-circulating and must be used in the University Archives reading room.
Only a small portion of the approximately 17,000 cubic feet of records and an estimated 2 million photographic images at the University Archives are digitized, although we are constantly digitizing additional material. Digital collection access points include the Digital Collections Online, University Archives Photograph Collection, Image Collections Online, Media Collections Online, the IU Board of Trustees minutes (transcribed), the Bloomington Faculty Council Minutes (transcribed), and the Archives of Institutional Memory (AIM).
Yes. Additional information on duplication is available via our page on Research. For additional information please contact our Photographs Curator, Brad Cook (bcook@iu.edu or 812-855-4495).
Yes, although there may be some limitations on use due to copyright status. Many University Archives recordings have been digitized and are available through Media Collections Online. If you do not find what you are looking for, contact archives@iu.edu with your request.
The Archives does not have these records. Information on how to request a copy of your transcript can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.
The Archives does not collect student theses and dissertations. The Herman B Wells Library does collect dissertations, however, and you can search for the dissertation in the library catalog at www.iucat.iu.edu. Try also contacting the department in which you completed the work, as they do sometimes keep copies of theses. Those affiliated with Indiana University Bloomington can also access the Libraries' subscription to ProQuest Theses and Dissertations Global.
We do, but for preservation purposes and broader access, we have had it microfilmed and do not allow patrons access to the paper copies in the Archives. The microfilm is available in the Government Information, Microforms, and Statistical Services department on the 2nd floor of the Herman B Wells Library. The reels are also available through interlibrary loan. Those affiliated with Indiana University Bloomington can also access the Libraries' subscription to Access Newspaper Archives, where the IDS is digitized through 1923.
Please cite: [item], [Name of Collection], [Collection number], Indiana University Archives, Bloomington.
The Archives does not provide monetary appraisals, nor can we recommend specific dealers or appraisers to you. We suggest you contact:
- International Society of Appraisers (1-888-472-4732) or http://www.isa-appraisers.org/
- American Society of Appraisers (1-800-272-8258) or http://www.appraisers.org/
Unfortunately, we are still not permitted to provide you with a monetary appraisal nor can we pay for the appraisal. We will, however, send you a letter citing the historical significance of the materials when we send you the Deed of Gift.
Unfortunately, it is not within our budget to purchase materials. Please consider a donation. In any case, please contact the Archives to discuss the materials.
This can be done easily through the IU Foundation. Just search for the University Archives in the "Search all funds" box. (Thank you!)
The Archivist can provide basic guidance to researchers in preserving their personal collections or family treasures. However, there is a wealth of information available online:
Transcript requests should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
University policies related to student records: