Last updated October 16, 2024

Collections are made available to researchers in the reading room of the WLA on the third floor of Piper Hall. Because archival materials are often unique and fragile, they do not circulate. All reading room rules are designed to protect collections for future use.

Reading Room Rules

• All coats, briefcases, portfolios, notebooks, purses, and other items not essential to one's research must be left at the designated area.
• The use of a pen of any kind is prohibited. Please use pencil.
• No eating or drinking is permitted while using archival materials. Food and drink must be stored in the designated area.
• In compliance with University policies, use of all tobacco products and vaping (e-cigarettes) are prohibited.
• A personal camera or scanner may be used for research purposes. Digital copies created are for personal use only and are not transferable. Feeder scanners are not permitted.

Watch this short video to see what it's like to do research at the WLA.

If you have never visited an archives before, or feel you need a refresher about doing research in an archives, we recommend you take a look at this Guide to Effective Research by the Society of American Archivists. This is an excellent guide to doing research in an archives and is incredibly helpful to read before visiting the archives to ensure you make the most of your trip.

For security purposes, the reading room is under electronic surveillance.

Copies/Scans

Researchers may use their own cameras to take pictures of documents free of charge, provided these images will only be used for research purposes. Personal scanners with a feeder are not allowed. Limited photocopies and scans can be provided by WLA staff. Typically, up to 20 scans are feasible per researcher, per week (for example, 5 pages of a document and 15 photographs). Copies of entire books or manuscript collections are not allowed. High resolution scans can often be provided but may incur a fee. All duplication requests are subject to Director approval. The typical turnaround time for scans is 1-3 weeks. Providing photocopies or scans does not convey permission for publication. Separate fees for publication (web, print, or other form) may apply. The WLA reserves the right to restrict or refuse reproduction of materials due to condition, size, donor requirements, or copyright law.

Remote Researchers

Due to staff capacity, the WLA is not able to conduct research on behalf of a researcher without permission of the WLA Director. Depending on the current volume of requests, the WLA may be able to conduct up to 2 hours of research per researcher, per month, assuming the researcher is outside of a three-hour driving distance of the WLA. Copies for remote researchers are subject to the same terms as the Copies/Scans section.

Permission to Publish

Permission to use archival materials in publications must be obtained from the Director of the Women and Leadership Archives prior to publication (WLArchives@LUC.edu). Users are responsible for observing United States Copyright Law. Permission to publish also extends to the Women and Leadership Archives digital collections. Special fees may apply for use.

Permission to Publish Form

Collection Policy

Find information on collecting priorities, the acquisition process, and more: Collection Policy.