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.
Please note: Appointments are currently required to visit our reading room - please email us at rad@colorado.edu to schedule in advance. Same day or drop-in appointments cannot be accommodated.
Accessing our collections
Find published material
RaD's published material (books, pamphlets, sheet music, magazines, maps, government documents, etc.) can be found by searching the library catalog. For more precision, run an advanced keyword search and limit the location to Special Collections, Archives, Government Information Library, or Map Library.
Search archival holdings
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.
Browse our digital collections
Explore our digital collections in the CU Digital Library.
Researcher assistance
- Email us at rad@colorado.edu
- We may take longer than usual to reply to email reference requests, as our staff are onsite for limited hours each week. We can fulfill PDF reproduction orders in limited quantities with priority given to CU Boulder faculty, staff, and students. Very limited photocopy or other digital reproduction orders can be fulfilled at this time.
- Schedule a consultation (Please allow 2-3 business days)
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Visit our Reading Room (See below)
The Rare & Distinctive Collections Reading Room
Our Reading Room, located in the Archives (Norlin Library basement, room E1B43), is open to the public by appointment only, during open hours. Same-day appointments and drop-ins cannot be accommodated at this time. Please schedule an appointment online, or by emailing rad@colorado.edu. You may also call us at 303-492-7242 for further information.
All visitors must complete a short registration process upon their first visit, including completing our Reading Room Registration Form (PDF form below - also available on-site). Please bring a photo ID (driver's license, student/faculty card, etc.). Only pencils, paper, laptops, and mobile phones/cameras are allowed while accessing RaD collections. No food or drink are permitted in the Reading Room.