Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Yes, you have the option to place requests to view materials in our reading room after you have set up an online account. First, create a Special Collections Request System account (https://specialcollections.lib.lsu.edu/logon) . We highly suggest that you make a request in advance because some materials must be retrieved from an off-site storage facility (requiring 48 business hours of advanced notice) and in-house materials can only be retrieved by staff from our closed stacks. Visit the librarys public catalog. (https://lsu.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/lsu) TIP: In the first drop down box that defaults to Everything, simply select Special Collections and then conduct your search. Click on the Request Item link in the catalog record to place your request. Yes, you have the option to place requests to view materials in our reading room after you have set up an online account. First, create a Special Collections Request System account (https://specialcollections.lib.lsu.edu/logon) . We highly suggest that you make a request in advance because some materials must be retrieved from an off-site storage facility (requiring 48 business hours of advanced notice) and in-house materials can only be retrieved by staff from our closed stacks. Visit the librarys public catalog. (https://lsu.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/lsu) TIP: In the first drop down box that defaults to Everything, simply select Special Collections and then conduct your search. Click on the Request Item link in the catalog record to place your request. Answered by: Kelly Larson

It depends! This is a curator-level decision and will vary for each case. All requests for access to unprocessed collections require the Williams Center director's authorization. Any duplications of unprocessed interviews are not allowed beyond "Fair Use" unless this restriction is cleared by the director upon staff review of the item. Please note that the review process may take at least 1-2 business days, depending on the size of the collection. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Special Collections staff will happily assist both in-person and remote researchers in locating materials for your research or pointing you in the right direction, but we are typically not able to conduct research for you. If you are a remote patron and your request is labor-intensive, we may refer you to a local researcher or genealogist for hire. Answered by: Kelly Larson

You'll want to check to see if the interview is in the Louisiana Digital Library. If it is not on the LDL, and is cataloged and available, then please follow the procedures outlined via LSU Libraries Special Collections Public Services. Be sure to have the collection number, tape number, and the name of the interviewee handy to fill out the form. Please note-these copy requests are not processed by Williams Center personnel but through Public Services, as indicated in the above procedures. The interview will be sent to you as PDF or a MP3. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

A pencil, paper for notetaking, and personal devices (e.g. laptop, tablet, cellphone, camera) are allowed in the Reading Room. Food, drinks, pens, and portable scanners are not allowed. All personal items such as bags (including laptop and camera cases), briefcases, purses, coats, and umbrellas must be left in one of the secure lockers that are provided free of charge in the lobby. Be aware that anything brought into the Reading Room is subject to search before you leave. Review our Reading Room Policies:https://lib.lsu.edu/special#specialcollectionpolicies Answered by: Kelly Larson