Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Archives is closed evenings, weekends, and holidays.
It is recommended that you schedule an appointment prior to visiting our Reading Room, especially for intricate or larger requests for information. Appointments must be booked at least 24 hours in advance with our booking calendar here.
Location:
Forsyth Library, first level, Room 122
The University Archives serves as the repository for historical materials and institutional records pertaining to Fort Hays State University from 1902 to the present day. The archives collects, preserves, and provides access to these materials for research use.
Forsyth Library Special Collections and University Archives materials are non-circulating. As such, patrons must use materials in the Reading Room or with the assistance of archives staff through virtual consultation. It is recommended that patrons schedule an appointment prior to visiting our Reading Room, especially for intricate or larger requests for information.
Appointments must be booked at least 24 hours in advance with our booking calendar here.
Old Forsyth Library, circa 1930s, University Archives Photograph Collection.
Patrons may request reproductions of materials held in the Special Collections of Forsyth Library. All requests for reproduction are reviewed by library staff. Requests may be denied or limited based on factors such as copyright compliance, donor restrictions, or the condition of the item. This flowchart navigates the fees due based on how the reproductions will be used and the user's relationship with FHSU.
The recipient of the reproductions may use them only for research, teaching, or private study. S/he may not make them for, or donate or sell them to, other repositories. When the reproduction and use of materials held by the Forsyth Library Special Collections exceed the allowances made under Fair Use, reproductions are subject to the terms and conditions established in the Forsyth Library Special Collections Reproductions and Permissions Policy.
On-site patrons may be able to scan some materials themselves, using a personal digital camera. There is no charge for these scans, but researchers must first obtain permission from Library staff.
When users have been granted permission to personally scan or photograph materials, they must agree to the following conditions:
In addition to the above, researchers using a digital camera must also agree to the following conditions:
A researcher may request copies or scans of items in the Library’s collections when s/he is not on-site; it has been determined that the material being requested must be scanned by a Library staff member; or a publication-quality reproduction is needed. All reproductions are subject to reproduction, retrieval, and licensing fees pursuant to the fee schedule below.
To request reproductions of any Special Collections materials for use in any work which exceeds allowances made under Fair Use, users must complete and submit the user agreement. Note: the user agreement must be signed, approved, and with all assessed fees paid in full before delivery of reproductions can be made. The user agreement will then be reviewed and approved by the appropriate library representative before reproductions may proceed. For any work considered part of a commercial/for profit project, a one-time licensing fee will be assessed in addition to any reproduction or retrieval fees pursuant to the posted fee schedule. This evaluation is usually completed within three business days. After approval is granted, copying for most requests is usually completed within five business days. An invoice will be provided to the patron, usually via email, once the request has been approved; payment (a check payable to the Forsyth Library) must be received before the reproductions can be delivered.
PDFs and low-resolution image files will be delivered by email whenever possible. Large PDF files and high-resolution image files will be delivered via Google Drive. The patron will receive an email with links to the images. Requests for large amounts of copying will require more time. Requests requiring use of specialized equipment because of the fragility or size of the original will require up to two weeks for completion. Library staff will contact the requestor in these cases or if the item cannot be copied.
Information on Forsyth Library's Fee Schedule can be found here.