How to Request Archival Materials

 

Use these directions to request archival materials using the Specialized Research Collections Request System, after you have created a request account.

1. Select “Archives at USC” from the drop-down menu on the Libraries home page and type in your search term.

catalog search

 

2. You will be taken into the Archives at USC finding aids portal. Click on the link to the collection you wish to view.

finding aids portal

 

3. From here, you can: 

  • Search within the collection from the search field on the right hand side of your screen
  • Navigate through the collection from the “Collection organization” menu on the right hand side of your screen
  • Read more about the collection in the sections on the left hand side of your screen
  • View citation information from the top right section of your screen
  • Print the entire finding aid from the top right section of your screen
finding aids

 

5. To select items to request, you must select an archival object—an item, file or box, which can be accessed from the Collection organization menu. This makes the “Request” button live.

request

 

6. Clicking on “Request” will take you into your Aeon account, and you will see a filled in request form. If you do not yet have an Aeon account, see How to create an account.

fa 1
fa2

7. You must make an appointment before you submit your request. Click on the “Schedule a New Appointment” button.

appointment

 

8. Select your desired date (for Special Collections, appointments can only be made as early as 10 days in advance). The length of appointment and appointment time are fixed, but must be selected from the drop downs.

appointment

9. Once you have selected your appointment time, click on “Create Appointment”, then click on “Submit Request”. You will receive an email once your item has been retrieved and your appointment has been confirmed.

 

Questions about making a request? Contact us!