Pitts Quick Links
Planning a Research Visit
Getting to the Library
For directions to the library and parking information, see the library's directions and parking page.
If you are traveling from outside the Atlanta area to conduct research at the library, you might wish to see Emory University's visitor information page for information on transportation, hotels, and dining options.
Reference Materials, Periodicals, and Circulating Collections
Reference materials, periodicals, and items in the general collections are accessible during any of the library's open hours. Items housed in the Library Service Center (our offsite storage library) require a few days' advance notice to be available in the library at the time of your visit. If you have questions about the availability of any items, please contact a Reference Librarian before your visit.
Planning a Visit to Special Collections
Archives, manuscript materials, and rare books at Pitts Theology Library are available for researchers to consult between the hours of 10 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday (with the exception of breaks in the Candler Academic Calendar). All archives and manuscript materials must be used in the library’s designated Special Collections and Archives reading area.
Please note that many of our collections are stored off-site and require 48 hours' notice for access. We strongly encourage you to call in advance of your visit to confirm that the materials you need will be available. We also encourage you to browse our online subject guides and collection finding aids before your visit. This will allow you to pinpoint specific materials relevant to your project and make more efficient use of your time at the library.
To schedule an appointment, contact the Special Collections Reference Assistant at dmadera@emory.edu or 404-727-1223.
The Special Collections Reading Room is located on the top level of Pitts Theology Library. When you arrive, please register using the online form at the circulation desk on the second floor. You will be asked to show identification as you enter the Special Collections Reading Room on the fourth floor. A scan of your identification will be made for our records. You will also need to acknowledge a statement indicating that you have read our rules for using archives, manuscript, and rare book materiasl, which are listed in the online application form.
These rules are designed to ensure the long-term preservation of our collections. You will be asked to keep your belongings, except for note-taking equipment, in the lockers outside of the Special Collections Reading Room. You will need to take notes using a pencil rather than a pen; taking notes with a laptop computer is also allowed. Food or drink are not allowed in the reading room. For more information about our policies for using archives and manuscript material, see the Rules for Use of Archives and Manuscripts.
Obtaining Reproductions of Special Collections Material
You may request reproductions from most of our special collections. All reproductions must be made by library staff members. Additional labor charges apply to photocopy orders of more than 50 pages. A detailed explanation of our reproduction policy is here. For information about using digital cameras to reproduce special collections material, see our digital camera policy.
If you have any questions or need additional information before planning a research visit, you may contact Debra Madera, Special Collections Reference Assistant (dmadera@emory.edu; 404-727-1223).