Archives and Special Collections: Home

USMA Archives and Special Collections staff is available by chat or by email (arch-spec@usmalibrary.org) to assist you.

To make a research request:

• Search the USMA library holdings via SCOUT and select "Special Collection" as the item's location.
• Click on the Special Handling Required link. You will be redirected to your Aeon account.
• Log into your account, and your request will be pre-populated in a New Request form.
• Fill in any additional relevant information.
• Email arch-spec@usmalibrary.org to schedule your appointment. Please state your research topic, desired material and appointment time.
• If you can't find the materials you need in the online catalog, you can make a manual request.

To make a manual request:

• Log into Aeon account, Select New Request.
• Fill in all the relevant information about the material you would like to request.
• Email arch-spec@usmalibrary.org to schedule your appointment. Please state your research topic, desired material and appointment time.

USMA Archives and Special Collections staff may be contacted by email (arch-spec@usmalibrary.org) to assist researchers with USMA related questions. Per the mission of USMA Library, priority is given to current USMA cadets, faculty, and staff, and wait times for a response may vary. Thank you for your patience in awaiting a response.  

To make a research request:

• Search the USMA library holdings via SCOUT and select "Special Collection" as the item's location.
• Click on the Special Handling Required link. You will be redirected to your Aeon account.
• Log into your account, and your request will be pre-populated in a New Request form.
• Fill in any additional relevant information.
• Email arch-spec@usmalibrary.org to schedule your appointment. Please state your research topic, desired material, and preferred appointment times. Appointments are subject to staff availability and required to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
• If you can't find the materials you need in the online catalog, you can make a manual request.

To make a manual request:

• Log into Aeon account, Select New Request.
• Fill in all the relevant information about the material you would like to request.
• Email arch-spec@usmalibrary.org to schedule your appointment. Please state your research topic, desired material, and preferred appointment times. Appointments are subject to staff availability and required to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

Reading Room

The Archives and Special Collections reading room is open to researchers Monday through Friday, 0800-1600; exceptions will be posted. Researchers are accommodated by appointment only. Please email arch-spec@usmalibrary.org to inquire about an appointment. Please allow time for us to respond; appointments are not set until a confirmation is received.

Research Registration System and Appointment Requests

Reading Room Rules are as follows:

• A research account is required to access materials. Please pre-register with an Aeon account.
• Researchers will be asked to show photo identification upon arrival.
• Coats, umbrellas, and all other personal belongings must be put in the coatroom. Only approved electronic devices (no cases), pencils, and writing paper (subject to inspection) may be brought to the research table.
• Only pencils are permitted in the Reading Room. All notes must be taken in pencil or on an approved electronic device.
• Food and beverages are not permitted in the reading room.
• The use of original material is subject to staff discretion. Copies may be substituted for originals.
• Materials must be handled with great care. Researchers must not write or lean upon, trace, mark, erase, fold anew, cut, tear or otherwise alter or mishandle materials. Staff may request that researchers use book supports and/or gloves and will provide bookmarks or weights as appropriate.
• Copying material (whether with library or personal equipment) is at the discretion of the staff. Requests for copies will be recorded on a Request to Reproduce Materials form.
• All research materials must remain on the tabletop and in their original order. Unbound documents must remain in their folders, in the order in which they presented. Materials that appear to be in disorder are to be referred to a staff member.
• Materials must be consulted in the reading room; they may not be removed under any circumstances.
• Before leaving the reading room for any purpose, researchers are required to notify a member of the staff and submit their research materials to be searched.
• Any violation of these rules may be cause to end your research session.

USMA Faculty: Schedule a visit to the historic West Point Room to view original materials related to your course. Past visits include American History, Military History, History of the Book, English Composition, English Literature, and more. To request library instruction, please fill out this form: Information Literacy Instruction Request