Library: Researcher Reading Room

The Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library's Robert S. Wigton Department of Special Collections and Archives collects information and archival materials on the history of medicine and the other health professions in Nebraska, and the history of the UNMC campus community. It is Nebraska’s repository for medical-related archival materials, artifacts, and rare books. We welcome everyone to access our collections, regardless of academic affiliation. Although our collections are non-circulating, they are available for use in the library’s Level 8 Researcher Reading Room.

The Researcher Reading Room is open by appointment only. Please fill out our research form to register and request to use research materials. We ask for notice of at least two business days so we can prepare your materials. If you have any questions ahead of your visit, email us at history@unmc.edu.

Upon arrival to the Researcher Reading Room, reference desk staff will greet you and direct you to store personal belongings (including food and drink) in a designated storage compartment.

Because our collections contain materials that are rare or unique, we ask that you handle materials with care to ensure their continued preservation. To use the collections:

• Avoid the use of hand sanitizers and lotions before your visit.
• Wash your hands before handling collections.
• Remove lanyards, long necklaces, and other jewelry before handling materials.
• Take notes with pencils and notebook paper, or on a personal device (laptop, tablet, etc.).

Staff may provide additional handling guidelines during your visit, depending on the materials you will use.

You are welcome and encouraged to use personal devices to take photographs (using non-flash photography) of materials during your visit. Scanners are available to use with staff assistance.

Certain materials may not be available for use based on formatting constraints, such as audiovisual materials. In some cases where original materials are extremely fragile, facsimiles, digital surrogates or other access copies may be provided for primary research use.

Some materials may be restricted due to privacy, state and federal laws, and other guidelines.

Information about your work with our collections, including research topics and materials used, is treated as confidential. Learn more about the library's privacy policy.

McGoogan Library seeks to provide all library users with a welcoming, productive, and safe environment. We are committed to providing equitable access to our collections, services, and spaces. Learn more about our inclusive facilities and services.