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Special collections refer to unique materials that provide both primary and secondary sources to people conducting original research. Our collections are special due to their scarcity or rarity, historical value, monetary value, or research value. Archives are collections of original records created throughout the lifespan of a person, family, organization, or business. These materials essentially provide evidence of the activities, events, functions, and/or responsibilities of the creator(s). Archives and special collections differ from libraries in the types of materials collected and the ways in which they are acquired, organized, described, and made publicly accessible. These differences prompt us to create specific policies and procedures to ensure that our collections can continue to be used for decades or even centuries to come. Special collections refer to unique materials that provide both primary and secondary sources to people conducting original research. Our collections are special due to their scarcity or rarity, historical value, monetary value, or research value. Archives are collections of original records created throughout the lifespan of a person, family, organization, or business. These materials essentially provide evidence of the activities, events, functions, and/or responsibilities of the creator(s). Archives and special collections differ from libraries in the types of materials collected and the ways in which they are acquired, organized, described, and made publicly accessible. These differences prompt us to create specific policies and procedures to ensure that our collections can continue to be used for decades or even centuries to come. Answered by: Kelly Larson

There are various types of restrictions to collections that will be listed in the catalog record. The most common restriction is the one triggered by incomplete paperwork and this restriction often limits the interview to on-site access-only and limited duplication. Other restrictions are set forth by the interviewer or the interviewee and are handled on a case-by-case basis. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

The short answer is yes. Most of our special collections are only available in their physical formats. However, we do have some digital collections online, which are made available through the Louisiana Digital Library. We do participate in interlibrary loan services for select materials (typically microfilm) and we offer a variety of duplication options. Find out more about the Louisiana Digital Library: https://lib.lsu.edu/special#louisianadigitallibrary (https://lib.lsu.edu/special/CC/digital) View our duplication policy: https://lib.lsu.edu/special#specialcollectionsduplication (https://www.lib.lsu.edu/special/services/duplication) View our operating hours and maps: https://lib.lsu.edu/hoursandmaps (https://lib.lsu.edu/about/hours/sc) Answered by: Kelly Larson

The Louisiana Digital Library has selected interviews available. Visit LSU Libraries Special Collections: since all cataloged interviews are housed in Special Collections at Hill Memorial Library, you may visit the Reading Room where staff will provide access to a dedicated, self-guided public computer where you can access cataloged digital files during office hours. You may request a copy of the interview. See above for instructions. A copy of the interview may be jointly housed in another repository, so be sure to double-check that information in the catalog record. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Yes, we allow researchers to make personal research copies of many of our materials using a photocopier, overhead scanner, or personal camera. A photocopier and book scanner are provided in the Reading Room. Manuscript materials may not be self-duplicated with the book scanner or the photocopier. We also do not permit portable scanners in the Reading Room. If you choose to take photographs, you will be provided with a Camera Use Policy form to complete and sign during your visit. We also offer duplication services in which a staff member can copy and send qualifying materials to you. Find out more about our LSU Special Collections duplication services: https://lib.lsu.edu/special#specialcollectionsduplication Answered by: Kelly Larson

Hi Ben! Yes, LSU Online students can use interlibrary loan. Here are our Borrowing Policies (https://lib.lsu.edu/borrowingpolicies) for LSU Online from our website: "Request books and other physical items through your interlibrary loan account (https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flouis…) . Borrowing books from other libraries requires transit time. A minimum of 2 to 3 weeks is usually required, and you are responsible for the cost of shipping the material back to LSU Library. For this reason, we recommend using your local librarys interlibrary loan service for books and physical items, and using LSU Libraries Interlibrary Loan service to request journal articles and book chapters, which are delivered digitally." Jacob Fontenot LSU Libraries Interlibrary Loan Hi! Can students of LSU Online use ILL? From an LSU Online student Answered by: Jacob Fontenot

LSU Libraries Special Collections requires that materials be accompanied with a proper citation and/or credit line in the applicable format below. Our recommended citation style is also listed in each library catalog record and in collection inventories (finding aids). For manuscript collections: Name of the Manuscript Collection, Mss# [manuscript number], Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, La. Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections must be spelled out the first time a collection is cited. Thereafter, the abbreviation LLMVC may be used. For University Archives: Name of originating office followed by "Records", RG# [record group number], Louisiana State University Archives, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, LA. Louisiana State University Archives must be spelled out the first time a record group is cited. Thereafter the abbreviation LSUA may be used. Answered by: Kelly Larson

The Oral History Center is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Access to processed collections via the Reading Room is in conjunction with Reading Room hours. Meetings with the Director are by appointment, jabrah1@lsu.edu. Coming soon: there is no appointment necessary to view the self-guided listening stations located outside of the Oral History suite during office hours. Answered by: Jennifer Cramer

Yes! The Quiet Study Room, on the second floor of Hill Memorial Library, is open to students throughout the semester on weekdays, from 9am - 5pm. Food and drinks are not allowed in the Quiet Study Room, but may be consumed in the first floor lobby. Answered by: Kelly Larson

WiFi access is available to LSU students, faculty, staff, visitors who participate in eduroam, as well as sponsored guests. For detailed instructions and troubleshooting, please refer to the Connect to Wireless (https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=5252) article. See also: Can non-affiliates/public patrons access LSU Wi-Fi? (https://askus.lib.lsu.edu/circulation/faq/378377?m=p) eResources Staff Answered by: Electronic Resources

Yes. The Hill Lecture Hall is generally only available to University affiliated groups for meetings, classes, or events of 100 people or less. The lecture hall is equipped with a podium, microphone, projection screen, tables, and chairs. You must reserve the space in advance, preferably with at least two weeks notice and there may be a service charge. Find out more about reserving the Hill Lecture Hall: https://lib.lsu.edu/special#reservelecturehall (https://lib.lsu.edu/special#reservelecturehall) Answered by: Kelly Larson

LSU's ITS is responsible for the acquisition and licensing of various software, known as TigerWare (https://tigerware.lsu.edu/#) . You can make requests for software on that website by scrolling down and clicking on the Request a software item link in the menu on the left. eResources Staff Answered by: Electronic Resources