Preliminary Work

Before visiting the Vietnam Archive, researchers should conduct preliminary research on the Virtual Vietnam Archive. Many of the Archive's materials, including all finding aids, slides, photographs, artifacts, and a substantial number of documents can be found on the Virtual Archive. If you have any questions on using the Virtual Archive, please consult the Vietnam Archive tutorial or speak to a Vietnam Archive staff member at 1-806-742-9010. Also, check our Resources by Topic Page to see if your research topic fits into some of the subjects we have listed. By simply using the Virtual Archive before visiting, you may discover that all of the material you need is online.

Visiting the Vietnam Archive

To maximize your time for conducting research onsite, please contact Archive staff well in advance of your visit. We can have relevant collections ready for you upon your visit and be able to have more time planned to assist you. After contacting the Archive, please familiarize yourself with the Reading Room Policies at the Vietnam Archive.

Reading Room Policies

The Reading Room is staffed by the the Southwest Collections/Special Collections Library. The Reading Room is also used by the Vietnam Archive and its patrons and is open to students, staff, faculty, and the general public. In order to provide quality service, the following policies have been established:

Hours of Operation

• 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• 9:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday and Thursday*
• 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Saturday*
• Closed Sunday
• All times GMT-06:00
• More information on hours is available on the Hours of Operation page.

*Hours will vary during summer and University intercessions. Please call the Reference Desk at 1-806-742-9070 for the most up-to-date hours.

We encourage patrons to call us in advance at 1-806-742-9010 to inform us when they plan to visit, their research plans, and which collections they may wish to view so that we can better help them with their research. It also allows patrons to use their time at the archive more efficiently. The best way for a patron to prepare in advance for a visit is to conduct keyword searches on the Virtual Vietnam Archive.

Vietnam Archive materials do not circulate, and may be used only in the Reading Room. All materials are requested by completing a "Materials Request Form," using one slip for each collection requested. After completing the form, present it to a Reference staff member, and the item(s) will be brought to you. The time needed to retrieve items will vary, depending on the type of material.

Food and beverages are not allowed in the Reading Room.

Sound, communication, or image capturing devices are not allowed in the Reading Room. This includes, but is not limited to the following: cellular phones, scanners, photographic equipment, tape or digital recorders, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), etc.

Lockers for backpacks, briefcases, handbags, and other personal property are provided near the Reference Desk. The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library or the Vietnam Archive cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen items. All items taken into the Reading Room are subject to inspection.

Loose sheets of notes are allowed and will be stamped with the Southwest Collection's identification stamp. Laptop computers may also be used for note taking. Please use only pencils for note taking. Paper and pencils are available at the reference desk.

Materials must be handled with great care. Please retain the order in which manuscript and photograph collections are placed in the boxes and folders.

Photocopies of documents can be made for $0.20. Vietnam Archive staff may prohibit the photocopying of fragile items. See the Duplication Prices and Policies for more information.

Materials may be placed on hold for 48 hours or two working days.

The researchers assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel and literary property rights. It is up to the researcher to secure permission from the copyright holder to quote or publish from materials. Please see a staff member for the proper citation form.

Please do not hesitate to ask the Vietnam Archive Staff or the Reference Staff for assistance or if you have questions concerning the handling and use of materials.

Using Reading Room Computers

Due to changes in Texas Tech University security regulations, computers in the Reading Room are restricted to users with a valid "eRaider" account which all Texas Tech faculty, students, and staff possess. Patrons may obtain a temporary eRaider account for their use while researching on campus. More information on eRaider accounts can be found on the University Library eRaider website. We recommend that anyone doing research here for more than a few hours activate a temporary eRaider account. Please contact us at 1-806-742-9010 if you have any questions.

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