Archives and Special Collections

• Upon entering the archives reading room, researchers must sign-in and complete a researcher form. We encourage researchers to bring the completed form to your appointment.
• Pencils, notebooks, loose-leaf paper, and laptop computers are allowed in the reading room. Pens are not allowed. Pencils are available for researcher use.
• As a courtesy to other researchers, cell phones must be turned off or on inaudible vibrate.
• Food and drinks are not permitted in the reading room.
• Use of cameras and scanning equipment are not permitted, unless by special permission of the University Archivist.
• No library materials or personal items may be brought into the reading room, including coats, briefcases, backpacks, computer cases, and purses. All library and personal items must be left by the entrance of the archives or stored in one of its available lockers.
• Materials in the archives do not circulate and cannot be taken out of the archives.
• Researchers assume all responsibilities, familiarity, and understanding of current ownership, U.S. copyright laws and fair use guidelines.
• Duplication and imaging requests must be completed and in compliance with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Title 17 of the United States Copyright Law.
• Duplication and imaging requests may be declined if materials are too fragile or may become damaged in the duplication or imaging process.
• Central Washington University retains all copyright and ownership to materials in the Archives & Special Collections.

The citation should contain the following:

Appears courtesy of Dr. James E. Brooks Library, Archives & Special Collections
[Collection title/image]
Central Washington University

The archives research room policy is available online.

The archives seeks to support the curriculum and teaching of Central Washington University by providing instruction to classes in the archives. Its collections offer a wealth of primary source material that can enrich the learning experience and add excitement and depth to almost any class on campus. Engaging with primary documents enlivens cultural, regional, and general history for students, and helps them understand the social or cultural contexts of ideas and texts covered in classes.

Faculty are invited to use collections to support their syllabi. Archives staff will assist faculty in determining the best resources to use by introducing students to using the collections, archival research methods, the history of the book, and providing instruction sessions to classes on individual subject strengths in the department. Faculty are also welcome to put items from the archives collections on course reserve (housed within the archives) for student use in projects or classwork.

The following library research guides provide information on conducting archival research:

• Archival Research
• CWU Special Collections
• Historical Methods

To schedule an in-person or virtual instruction session in the archives, email archive@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1717.

The researcher assumes full responsibility for compliance with copyright in their use of photographic materials. CWU Libraries reserves the right to refuse to accept an order for imaging services if, in its judgment, completing the order would violate copyright law.

Publication use applies to the use of a reproduction in digital, film, print, or video format. All users purchasing reproductions in any format, digital, or photographic, who intend to use them for any purpose other than personal research, must submit a written request for permission to publish, republish or use, to the University Archivist.

• CWU Museum of Culture and Environment
• Ellensburg Public Library and Archives
• Kittitas County Genealogical Society
• Kittitas County Historical Museum
• Northern Kittitas County Historical Society
• Roslyn Historical Museum
• Washington State Archives
• Washington State Archives Central Regional Branch (Ellensburg)
• Washington State Library
• Yakima Valley Museum
• Yakima Valley Libraries