Rare and Distinctive Collections: Research and Visiting
We're here to help you access and use our Rare & Distinctive Collections including archives, government information, maps and rare books. Below find information about accessing and searching our collections, how to plan your visit (open hours) and research assistance including virtual consultations and our in-person reading room.
We offer appointments Mondays through Thursdays, please email us at rad@colorado.edu to schedule in advance. We are offering Friday drop in hours for students who have attended RaD instruction sessions in the Norlin N345 classroom. Please see University Libraries hours for exact times and exceptions.
Accessing our collections
RaD's published material (books, pamphlets, sheet music, magazines, maps, government documents, etc.) can be found by searching the library catalog.
Our archival collections, including manuscript material and original photographs, as well as their finding aids, can be found by keyword searching our repository on ArchivesSpace.
Explore our digital collections in the CU Digital Library.
The Rare & Distinctive Collections Reading Room
Our Reading Room, located in Norlin Library M350B (see Norlin Library floor plans, third floor), is open to the public by appointment only during open hours. Same-day appointments and drop-ins cannot be accommodated at this time.
Please visit Aeon, our Reading Room website, to schedule appointments, request materials, view request and appointment statuses, and more. All visitors must complete a short registration process upon their first visit to this site.
Only pencils, paper, laptops, and mobile phones/cameras are allowed while accessing collections. No food or drink are permitted in the Reading Room. There are lockers available for storage of other items during your appointment.
Researcher assistance
Email us at rad@colorado.edu for help with research questions!
We can fulfill PDF reproduction orders in limited quantities with priority given to CU Boulder faculty, staff, and students. Limited photocopy or other digital reproduction orders can be fulfilled at this time.