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Albert S. Cook Library

Special Collections and University Archives

Learn what special collections and university archives are, what we hold, and how to access the collections

How to Visit Us

We offer a variety of ways to connect virtually:

  • Virtual video consultations allow you to talk with our staff live online, view materials, and receive high quality scans that help meet your research needs remotely. To schedule a virtual video consultation, please fill out a Research Request form.
  • You can chat with us via our Ask an Archivist live chat service, during open office hours, 8.30a - 5p M-F.
  • We are also available via email (scua@towson.edu) and phone (410-704-2093).

SCUA offices are currently open only by appointment.

Appointments help our staff prepare for your visit by locating materials that could help with your research.

To make an appointment, please fill out a Research Request form.

Please note: Due to the rare and delicate nature of many of our resources, our policies differ from the rest of the library. To ensure future generations of researchers will also have access to these materials, please be aware of these guidelines: 

  • Our materials do not circulate and are only available for viewing in the SCUA office. 
  • Lockers are provided for coats, hats, bags, and other personal belongings not permitted in the Reading Room. 
  • Food and drink are not permitted in the Reading Room. 
  • Personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones, as well as pencil and paper, may be used. Pens or other marking devices are not permitted. 
  • Materials may not be marked, erased, folded, torn, cut, traced, or altered in any way. 
  • Folders and their contents must remain in original order. Remove only one folder at a time from a box. 
  • Duplication is allowed through non-flash photography and scans. 
  • SCUA reserves the right to deny requests for access or reproduction due to preservation concerns, legal requirements (FERPA), or donor restrictions. 
  • The Reading Room is reserved for use by visitors accessing SCUA materials, and is not open for general use. 
  • All visitors will be asked to check in with our staff and agree to follow stated policies. 

Here are some helpful tips when visiting us in-person:

Visiting from on-campus

The SCUA office and reading room are located on the fifth floor of the Albert S. Cook Library.

To locate the library, please use the interactive campus map. The library is located between Newell Ave., Stephens Ave., and Glen Drive.

Visiting from off-campus

MASS TRANSIT

CityLinkRED, Route 52 LocalLink Bus, or Route 53 LocalLink Bus / York Rd. and Aigburth Rd. 
Route 51 LocalLink Bus / Towsontown Blvd. and University Ave.
For detailed maps and trip planning information, visit the MDOT/MTAT website.  

 

PARKING

Visitors may park on campus in the Glen or Towsontown parking garages. Visitor parking is designated. Vehicles must have a valid permit or visitor pass from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Use the pay-by-plate station to purchase a visitor pass ($3 per hour). 

 

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

Accessible parking is available in the Glen Drive Lot. Accessibility placards or license plates must be displayed. Vehicles must have a valid permit or visitor pass from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Use the pay-by-plate station to purchase a visitor pass ($3 per hour).

For detailed directions, visit the Directions to Campus page. To see all visitor and accessible parking areas, use the campus map (select "visitor parking" or “accessible parking”) or refer to the Visit Towson University page.