Recommended Resources
For individuals interested in WCS's history, many published resources are available online and in public and university libraries. We recommend checking out these resources, some of which can be found on our Digital Collections page and our WCS History page, at the outset of your research.
Individuals new to researching in archives should check out the Society of American Archivists'
Using Archives: A Guide to Effective Research, which provides general advice on finding and evaluating archives, understanding copyright and usage restrictions, and reading finding aids.
Reference Inquiries
Reference inquiries may be made by emailing us. We are a dedicated but very small staff, so we are only able to answer questions that require minimal research, and responses may take up to two weeks.
Research Visits
Researchers, students, and the general public who are interested in accessing the WCS Archives may request an appointment by emailing us. Please take note that we are a very small staff. We appreciate receiving requests with as much advance notice as possible and with flexible date options so that we may do our best to accomodate your request.
Rules and Regulations
Permission to examine WCS collections will be granted subject to (a) any restrictions placed on the collections by donors or by department or office of origin and (b) condition of items. For additional information about restrictions please email us.
Scanning Services
Please email us regarding photoduplications and associated fees.
Please note that the WCS Archives will provide only scans of requested materials, not photocopies. Permission will be granted subject to access restrictions governing particular materials, staff availability, and suitability of fragile material for scanning.
Usage Permissions
Purchase of scanned material from the WCS Archives does not entitle you to publish the reproduced material. If you desire to make any use of the material other than personal use for reference and evaluation purposes (e.g, editorial [academic, media] or commercial use), you must obtain permission to publish from the copyright holder(s). The WCS Archives is not necessarily the copyright holder of unpublished items in its collections and may not be able to grant permission in each instance. Separate application for permission to quote or to publish the Material must be made to the WCS Archives. Permission to publish shall be at WCS’s sole discretion, and shall be subject to such terms, conditions, and restrictions as may be established by WCS and documented in a separate written agreement.
To obtain permission to reprint, reproduce, or use any material from the WCS Archives, please email us.