FAQ's

Archives and Manuscripts

General

Library

Archives and Manuscripts

What is a manuscript?
A manuscript refers to handwritten or typewritten materials and is a unique item. Manuscripts may be bound and look like a book.

How can I find what manuscripts are in The Texas Collection?

More Information: index.php?id=38698

Can I use manuscripts at The Texas Collection?
The manuscripts holdings are open to all serious researchers who present a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. They must complete a registration form and agree to abide by our archives regulations. See
More Information: index.php?id=38897

How can I view your manuscript holdings if I can't visit The Texas Collection?
The Texas Collection does not have its manuscript holdings online. An individual who cannot visit the library in person may need to hire a graduate student or other proxy researcher to check the holdings. The staff will assist with locating individuals who do such research for a fee.

Do you have photographs of people?
Yes; contact the archivist for assistance with locating particular photographs from our large photograph collection.

Where can I find old copies of newspapers?
The Texas Collection has special editions of various Texas newspapers in the archives division and runs of a few Central Texas newspaper titles. In addition, the library division has microfilm copies of Texas newspapers. Please contact the staff to check on titles and dates.

Why do I need to make a research appointment to use materials from the archives?
An appointment makes it possible for the archives staff to prepare adequately for a client's research visit, ensuring that the materials are available and that a room monitor is available at the time of the visit.

Why do I need to be monitored when using manuscript items?
A room monitor oversees the use of manuscript materials to ensure their safe handling and care and also serves as a contact person if the client has questions about photocopying materials.

I would like to use one of your images in a publication. Do I need to obtain approval from The Texas Collection?
Most images in The Texas Collection are available for publication. Permission must be obtained from the Director or Archivist.
More Information: index.php?id=38701

What do I need to do if I want to quote from or publish a manuscript from The Texas Collection?
Please check with the Director or Archivist on the copyright status of the item and its availability for use in a publication.
More Information: index.php?id=38701

Do you have transcripts of former Baylor students?
No, transcripts of former and current students are maintained by the Office of the Registrar. For additional information, see the following:
More Information: http://www.baylor.edu/registrar/index.php?id=001217

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General

What is the Texas Collection?
The Texas Collection is a distinguished, major Texana library/archival research center and is Baylor University's oldest special collections library. Its manuscript and published holdings document the development of the Texas region from the earliest North American explorations to the present day. For more information, please click the link below.
More Information: index.php?id=56999

What are your hours?
Hours of operation are posted on The Texas Collection's website but it is always prudent to call before making a trip. Our hours may vary during special times of the year.
More Information: index.php?id=38704

How do I get there?
See our website for traveling and parking information:
More Information: index.php?id=38774

I am not affiliated with Baylor University - can I use your holdings?
The Texas Collection is open to non-Baylor clients who are welcome to use materials in the library's reading room. Individuals who plan extensive research are encouraged to contact the staff in advance to discuss their projects prior to visiting the library.

Can you tell me if you have what I want before I drive all the way?
The staff of The Texas Collection will be glad to assist you with preliminary searching prior to your on-site visit. Staff contact information can be found at
More Information: index.php?id=38775

How do I find out what is in the Texas Collection and which resources are available online?
Go to the "Find Materials" page at
More Information: index.php?id=38698

Can I order reproductions of materials from the Texas Collection?
Yes, but requests are subject to staff approval. There are no coin-operated copiers; all photocopies are made by a staff member after receipt of payment. Requests for photograph copy prints are fulfilled by the university's photography office. Clients can also scan images and other items.

Can I scan or burn a CD of items in the Texas Collection?
The Ruth Montgomery Shick Media Resources Room has both Dell and Macintosh computers and scanners; clients must be familiar with the Adobe Photoshop software and prepared to do their own scanning. Scans can be downloaded to a zip disk provided by clients or e-mailed by clients to their personal e-mail account. The Dell also has a CD burner. Use of scanned images fall under the same guidelines as other reproductions from The Texas Collection.

How do I donate materials to the Texas Collection?
This information can be found on our website under the "How to Donate" page.
More Information: index.php?id=38778

Can you tell me how to care for books, manuscripts, and photographs in my personal collection?
The Texas Collection does not have a preservation librarian or conservator on staff but here are some basic guidelines: Protect your materials from light. Avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations. Keep the storage area clean and free from pests. Use acid-free and lignin-free files and boxes. Do not write on them in ink. Do not mend them with tape and pastes. Visit the following link for more information:
More Information: http://www.lib.az.us/archives/conservation.cfm

Can you tell me how much my books, photographs or historical documents are worth?
No, the Texas Collection cannot appraise historical and rare materials. We can provide you a list of book dealers and appraisers whom you may contact and hire to assist you with determining market value.

What should I expect when using the Guy B. Harrison Reading Room?
The reading room is maintained as a quiet research area and is not suitable for study groups. Food and drinks are not permitted in the room, and cell phone usage is prohibited. Tables are reserved for use of library and archival materials as well for laptop users. The reading room is open to students who wish to study here, but seating preference will be given to persons who plan to use the holdings of The Texas Collection.

Can I do research by email or letter?
Inquiries by letter or email are acceptable and should include the following information: your name, correct mailing and e-mail address. The Texas Collection's staff will determine if the request can be researched within a reasonable amount of time and contact you.

How do I submit a reference question?
Following the following link for further information:
More Information: index.php?id=38775

What are your policies for using your materials?
Click on the following link and look under the heading "Regulations"
More Information: index.php?id=38698

Does the Texas Collection have a place where I can prepare and print my term paper?
No, since we have a limited number of public terminals, we have reserved them for clients who need to search BearCat.

Are meeting rooms available at the Texas Collection?
No, The Texas Collection has one meeting room which is reserved primarily for the library's bibliographic instruction classes and for in-house use.

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Library

Why is this publication in The Texas Collection instead of the Baylor central libraries?
Publications that relate primarily to Texas are generally housed in The Texas Collection. Occasionally, both the central libraries and The Texas Collection may have copies of the same publication.

Can I check out materials from The Texas Collection and use them at home?
Most newer titles may be checked out by Baylor University personnel and students who present valid Baylor University identification. Most older library titles are circulated for reading room use only. See the library regulations for additional information.
More Information: index.php?id=38896

Can I borrow Texas Collection materials on interlibrary loan (ILL)?
The only items which circulate on ILL are the microfilm copies from the Texas Regional Historical Resource Depository (RHRD) program. Photocopies of periodical articles are available through Baylor ILL
More Information: http://www.baylor.edu/lib/ils

Can I renew my books online?
No, you will need to bring in your books (and your Baylor ID) to renew them.

How many books can I check out at one time?
You may check out up to a total of five books at any given time from The Texas Collection.

Can I use my Tex-Share card to check out materials?
No, we're sorry but The Texas Collection does not participate in the Tex-Share program.

Does The Texas Collection accept gift books?
Yes, if they fall within our collecting field.

Does The Texas Collection have materials for genealogical research?
Yes, in addition to published family and county histories, biographical compendiums, and other publications that include biographical information, The Texas Collection is a Texas Regional Historical Resource Depository (RHRD) library and receives microfilm records of selected counties in the Central Texas area. For more information, see:
More Information: index.php?id=38702

Do you have marriage licenses and divorce records?
Yes, some microfilm records in the RHRD (see above) include this information.

I am adopted. Can you help me find my birth parents?
We can only advise you of what records are available.

What information do you have about my great-grandfather John Smith?
Please provide as much information as possible before submitting a request, such as occupation, vital dates, places the individual resided, schools attended, etc. The staff will search available resources within the thirty-minute limit to see what is available here. The staff will recommend that you arrange a research trip if there is an abundance of information.

Can you tell me what activities my grandparents were involved with when they were students at Baylor in the 1940s?
The staff cannot undertake the extensive time required to check university publications page-by-page. Copies of the university's yearbooks, The Round Up, and the campus newspaper, The Lariat, are available to researchers.

Can I find the legislative history of a Texas bill in The Texas Collection?
As a depository library in the Texas State Library System, The Texas Collection receives the House and Senate journals and the Laws of Texas for each legislative session.

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