Scope of the Collection | Information for Researchers | Guidelines Information for Researchers Our Archives and Library staff welcomes your inquiries relating to all aspects of the history of the Field Museum. Please be as specific as possible when requesting information (e.g. "Please send me the name of the first anthropology staff member to work in Africa.") as limited staff time prevents us from answering broad research questions (e.g. "Please send me information about the history of the anthropology staff"). We answer reference requests in the order in which we receive them. Internal research requests from Field Museum Staff members take precedence and hence there may be a delay in the fulfillment of your request. Selected collection indexes and finding aids of the Archives' holdings are available. Please familiarize yourself with the following terms of access. The institutional Archives is open to all researchers. For information about the Archives' holdings contact the Archives directly at 312-665-7885. Inquiries by phone, fax, mail and e-mail are welcome. Patrons seeking to visit the Archives must have an appointment. Initial appointments are generally made between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Because the Library Reading Room may be used for scheduled meetings and other events during the day we suggest that patrons call the Reading Room desk in advance when planning their visit: 312-665-7887 We restrict the use of some records because of fragility, special format problems, or proprietary rights. The following materials are restricted from use: 1) unprocessed materials, and, 2) donations for which the donor has indicated "restrictions". Some records are available only with advance notice and approval. The Institutional Archives is located in a non-public area. Access is restricted and controlled by Field Museum Security Staff. A scheduled appointment is mandatory for all Archives patrons. << Return to Institutional Archives