Please fill out this form to help us prepare for your visit to Special Collections & Archives (SCA) and ensure the best possible experience.
Note: This form is intended for first-time visitors only. If you have visited SCA before and already completed this form, you do not need to fill it out again.
Reading Room guidelines
Access, use, and handling of materials
Materials must be used in the Reading Room and do not circulate. Researchers are responsible for items until they are returned to staff.
Clean hands and adherence to handling procedures offered by staff must be followed when using SCA materials. In cases where materials are too fragile to access directly, SCA staff will attempt to provide an alternative way to view them.
Reproducing materials
You are welcome to photograph archival items using your own device or our overhead scanner. Please note that SCA does not hold copyright for all materials and researchers are responsible for securing any necessary permissions for reuse.
Privacy & restrictions
Some materials may contain personal or sensitive information. While we aim to provide broad access, certain records may be restricted. Researchers agree to handle sensitive information in line with provincial privacy laws and university policy.
Reading Room best practices
- Pencils only, please. Pens, markers, and highlighters are not permitted.
- No food or drinks are allowed in the Reading Room to protect our materials.
- Store coats and bags in the lockers or on the coat stand provided at the front entrance.
- Keep track of the files you are using as you go. It will make things much easier later on, whether you want to revisit your work, share it with others, or build a proper citation.
Privacy notice
Personal information collected on this form is gathered under the authority of the University of Waterloo Act, 1972. It is used to support public service and maintain records of researchers.
Questions about this collection can be directed to the Head, Special Collections & Archives at archives@uwaterloo.ca
Questions about the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information by the University of Waterloo can be sent to fippa@uwaterloo.ca"