Services
Archive Reading Room
Patrons can visit the PSU Archive Reading Room by appointment to research, study or view the collections and exhibits. Please schedule a meeting prior to visiting the Archive. Archival records and the Special Collections material do not circulate. All visitors will be asked to sign-in to use archival materials. Some materials may include sensitive or confidential information, therefore are protected under federal and/or state privacy laws and regulations and are not accessible. Researchers who find sensitive personal information, including but not limited to social security numbers and student records, in any collection should notify a staff member.
Research Requests
Research inquiries prior to a site visit are encouraged. The Archive will make reasonable efforts to locate and gather the information you need before your visit. Submit a PSU Archive Request Form and allow up to five business days for processing. For expedited inquiries, please call 501-370-5306 to speak with the Archive staff.
- Philander Smith University or the original creator(s) of the work holds the copyright to content published on the Digital Archive.
- Commercial use is prohibited without permission. To request permission to publish, broadcast or exhibit, contact the Archivist.
- The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified by law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a duplication order, if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law
- Researchers must acknowledge the creators and their works by means of bibliographic citation. Researchers who cite materials from the Archive in their publications are asked to send a copy of the publication and/or a complete bibliographic citation for the publication to the department
Philander Smith University staff reserves the right to deny access to anyone who is careless or irresponsible in the handling of archive materials or violates any of its policies.
Donating Materials
Philander Smith University Archive welcomes donations in subject areas of long-term historical interest and connections to PSU. Donations are often invaluable sources for primary research and for helping to strengthen our research collections. The Archive staff reserves the right to make all final decisions on acceptance of archive material donations.
The Archive also welcomes and appreciates financial contributions to defray the cost of processing materials.
If you are interested in donating to Philander Smith University, please contact the Archive by phone at 501-370-5306, or via email at kanderson@philander.edu.