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Policies and Procedures

Research Room General Rules


  • The research room is open Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
  • There are six tables in the research room that are available on a first come, first served basis. If the research room reaches maximum capacity, then the staff will institute a waiting list to reserve limited time slots for patrons.
  • Individuals under the age of 14 are not allowed in the research room under typical circumstances, though you may contact the staff ahead of time for special instances.
  • Do not bring personal belongings such as purses, briefcases, backpacks, books, and notepads into the research room. Please leave these items in the lockers in the research room. Please hang coats in the hallway.
  • No food or beverages are allowed in the research room. Smoking and gum chewing are not permitted.
  • Please use only pencils for taking notes. Pens and highlighters, as well as post-it notes, should not be used in the research room.
  • Pencils and paper will be provided by the MPA and are the only items allowed on the table while viewing materials from the collection. All notes are subject to inspection and approval prior to removal from the research room.
  • In most instances a laptop computer may be used, though prior permission is required.
  • Use of public access computer and online research must comply with University rules.
  • Use of public access computer is restricted to MPA resources and online finding aids.
  • All MPA patrons must fill out a research room registration form once per year, register with the attendant on each visit, and provide proper photo identification on each visit.
  • Patrons must complete one MPA Collection Request Form per box of materials requested.
  • The MPA reserves the right to revoke or deny access to any or all of the collections.
  • The policies and rules of the MPA are subject to change without notice.

Handling the Collection


  • Please make sure that your hands are clean.
  • One box of archives material is allowed per patron at a time.
  • One folder can be removed from the box at a time. Use an “out-card” from the table to hold the place of the removed folder.
  • Items in folders should be examined one at a time.
  • Please keep materials flat on the table.
  • Be sure to keep materials from the folder in their original order. If materials appear to be out of order, please notify MPA staff instead of attempting to rearrange them.
  • Consult research room attendant for photocopies (see duplication policy below).
  • If the document has staples, ask attendant to remove prior to copying.
  • Support bound materials by using a book futon or wedges.
  • Never place an open book face down.
  • Do not lean on books or documents.
  • Never write or trace on books or documents.
  • Be careful when opening books and turning pages. Always lift the top corner of the page.
  • Do not use paper clips, rubber bands, post-it notes, or any three dimensional object for place markers. Paper bookmarkers are available at the reference desk.
  • Do not remove items, such as photographs, from their clear Mylar sleeves.
  • Please handle photographs only when wearing white gloves provided by MPA staff.
  • When using materials housed in special enclosures, please be sure to put them back in the same way. If you need help rehousing an item, please ask a staff person.
  • If the item you are using seems too fragile to handle, please ask MPA staff to assist you.

Announcements

MPA Opens to Research - Monday, March 9

Research Room will be closed
Monday, March 16 - 19th during University Spring Break

Contact the Archives

The Modern Political Archives
Baker Center for Public Policy
1640 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996-3340
Phone: 865.974.0931
Fax: 865.974.8777
Email: bobby.holt@utk.edu