Frequently Asked Questions
General
See our Quick Reference Guide for basic information about the KSU Archives.
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Does the KSU Archives hold collections related to my research interests?The KSU Archives and Special Collections collects records relating to the history of Kennesaw State University, Southern Polytechnic State University, and regional history (Cobb County and surrounding counties in North and Northwest Georgia). Check out our KSU Archives Subject Guide to browse collections by topic.
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How do I locate materials in the KSU Archives?
Search for materials in our online catalog (ArchivesSpace) or digital collections (SOAR). For research help, see our Guide to Searching and Browsing in the KSU Archives and Special Collections.
KSU Faculty
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Can I bring my class to the Archives?
Faculty are welcome to schedule an instruction session with one of our archivists. Please complete a class request in our ServiceNow Portal to request an instruction session. An archivist will work with you to develop an instruction session that is relevant to your course and your students’ needs.
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What does an instruction session cover?
Instruction typically covers:
- What archives are and what archivists do
- How archival materials can support student research
- Methods of searching for archival materials
The archivist will discuss specific learning objectives and course topics with you when planning your instruction session.
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How many students will the Archives accommodate?
The Archives classroom is a small learning space which can comfortably accommodate 18 students. As an alternative to visiting the Archives, an archivist can visit your class in their designated classroom space, utilizing teaching collections and digital materials to reach learning objectives.
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Can I create an assignment or course projects in conjunction with my class visit?
We welcome the opportunity to work with faculty on actively engaging students with our materials. Please contact the Archives with project concepts.
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Are the collections available for my personal research?
The collections of the University Archives and Special Collections are a resource for all members of the KSU and broader communities. Submit an appointment request in our ServiceNow Portal and an archivist will contact you to discuss your research.
KSU Students, Staff, and Community Members
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I want to visit the Archives. How do I schedule an appointment?
Research visits are by appointment only and must be scheduled in advance. To schedule an appointment, please complete an appointment request in our ServiceNow Portal.
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Do you have any exhibits or ways to visit without scheduling ahead of time?
The Department of Museums, Archives & Rare Books hosts multiple exhibitions around campus. The Bentley Rare Book Museum (located on the ground floor of Sturgis Library) is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum is free and open to the public, and no reservations are required to visit the Museum's exhibitions. Exhibits are displayed both downstairs in the museum space and in the Athenaeum Gallery, located on the second floor of the Sturgis Library. Check our Exhibits page for more details.
In addition, the Museum of History and Holocaust Education has regular hours during which anyone may visit.
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Are the collections available for my personal research?
The collections of the University Archives and Special Collecyions are a resource for all members of the KSU and broader communities. Submit a request to our ServiceNow Portal and an archivist will contact you to discuss your research.
External Researchers
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I would like to visit the Archives to conduct research. What do I do next?
The Archives are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Research visits are scheduled by appointment only. Please fill out our Service Request Form to plan your visit.
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I do not live in the region. Is there any way to have the materials sent through interlibrary loan or copied?
Since the Archives contains material that is unique, unpublished, or not widely available, they do not extend lending privileges to researchers. Our collections can be viewed by visiting the Archives reading rooms at the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses, and many of our digitized or born-digital items are accessible online via our Scholarly Online Access Repository (SOAR). Further remote access to our materials will require a reproduction request.
Please visit our Reproductions page for information on obtaining copies of material from our collections.