There are two ways to request access to materials in the Archives and Rare Books Division of the Becker Library. You may schedule an appointment to view items in-person in the Archives and Rare Books Reading Room, or you may request for specific items or pages to be scanned and sent to you. There is no cost to schedule appointments to view materials in the Becker Library, however, there are service fees for ordering reproductions from our collections. A Becker Library Aeon Account is required to view materials in the Archives and Rare Books Reading Room and to place photoduplication orders of materials in our collections.
Request Access to Rare Books
Use the Becker Catalog to search for rare books. Once you identify a rare book you would like to consult, select “Request this Item” in the catalog record. You will then clarify whether you wish to view this book in-person in our Reading Room, or if you would like to order scans of selected pages within the book.
Request Access to the Archival Collections
Use the Becker Archives Database to search descriptions, inventories, and finding aids for all of our archival collections. When you have identified materials in the archives database that you would like to access, add them to your requests by clicking the “Add to My Requests” button, located to the right of each description. You may request up to 50 different folders or items at a time.
Once you have added all the materials you wish to access to your requests, click “My Requests” at the top of the page. Then, click “Go to Requests” to review the items you have selected. Click “Send my requests to Becker Archives,” and you will be taken to the Materials Request Form. Select “Schedule Viewing” if you would like to view the materials in person, “Order Reproductions” to purchase scans of the materials, or “Save for Later.” Then click “Submit Your Request.” You will be prompted to create or log in to an Aeon account in order to finalize your request.
Watch this video for tips on searching the archives database.
Watch this video for a detailed demonstration on how to request archival materials.
Becker Library Aeon Account
The first time you request access to our collections, you will need to create a Becker Library Aeon Account. Once your account has been created, you will be able to request appointments to view items in our Reading Room and place photoduplication orders of materials in our collections. Your account will also allow you to track the status of your requests.
You may create a Becker Library Aeon Account, or access your existing account, here.