Reference services are defined as direct and personal assistance provided to library users seeking information by trained information professionals. This service is not intended to be a replacement for in-person archival research, but assistance and guidance as you research our materials and collections.
Special Collections is committed to providing the best possible service to all its patrons. We prefer to receive reference requests or questions via email. The response time will vary depending on the complexity of the request, current demand and staff availability. Reference requests are answered in the order that they are received.
In depth research is beyond the scope of our services. In these instances, staff can suggest collections for researchers to consult when they visit Special Collections. Our average response time is currently 2 to 3 weeks.
Before seeking reference assistance, University Archives staff first recommends that patrons search SCOUT, the UTK Library Catalog, or our Digital Collections. If further assistance is needed, patrons are more than welcome to submit their reference questions in writing to: archives@utk.edu or special@utk.edu.
