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Dolph Briscoe Center for American History

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How to Research at the Briscoe Center

The Briscoe Center’s Reading Room serves as a hub for researchers using the Center’s vast collection of archival material. All materials at the Briscoe Center are non-circulating, meaning materials cannot be checked out and are for using on-site only. Visitors to the reading room must register and agree to the Center’s policies to gain access to the facility and request materials for viewing. Our reference staff is eager to assist our visitors with finding relevant materials and navigating our collections. Reference kiosks on site feature searchable databases and indexes for most of the Center’s holdings. Researchers at the Briscoe Center also enjoy access to a variety of tools and equipment to aid their discovery.

If you are unable to physically visit the Briscoe Center reading room, and require a proxy researcher to research on your behalf, please consult one of the proxy researchers available on the proxy researcher list. If you are interested in becoming a proxy researcher, please fill out this survey.

Another option is to call our reference staff at (512) 495-4166 and leave a message. A reference staff member will get back in touch with you. 

  • Researchers visiting for the first time must register as a new researcher. Registration can be completed online in advance of the research visit, or in person at our registration area.
  • Visitors must be prepared to show a photo ID (driver’s license, student/staff ID, passport, etc.) upon arrival.
  • Lockers are provided to store personal belongings.
  • After checking in, our public services staff are available to help you get started and orient you to our Reading Room.
  • Visitors must abide by the Reading Room policies (below) during their visit.

If you are unable to physically visit the Briscoe Center reading room, and require a proxy researcher to research on your behalf, please consult one of the proxy researchers available on the proxy researcher list.

  • The following items must be stored in lockers and are not permitted in the Reading Room: hats, coats, purses, backpacks, laptop and camera cases, food and drinks, books, notebooks, folders, and pens
  • Food, drink, and gum are not allowed in the reading room at any time.
  • Personal digital cameras, computers, and cell phones are allowed inside of the Reading Room and are subject to inspection before entering.
  • Researchers may use a digital camera or cell phone camera to photograph materials for personal research use only.
  • Please place all electronics including phones and computers on silent or mute. Phone calls are only permitted outside of the Reading Room.
  • Loose paper and pencils are allowed for note taking, and are provided free of charge.
  • Last call for paged materials is 30 minutes prior to closing. Our Reading Room hours of operation are listed here.
  • When you leave, staff will check your laptop and loose papers before signing you out.
  • Full Reading Room Policies and Procedures are available here.

The Briscoe Center offers duplication services for collection materials including photographs, manuscripts, audio and video. Our Research Quality duplication service is intended for research use, and Publication Quality duplication service is intended for publication, exhibition, or broadcast. For more information about our duplication services, visit our Duplication Services page.

The Briscoe Center has a variety of online tools to help researchers explore our collections and find the information they seek. These tools include databases, subject guides, and others that are free to peruse online. Visit our Online Reference Tools page to get started.

The Briscoe Center offers hands-on archival instruction that can be tailored to the course content or focus on the nuts and bolts of archival research. Staff can consult with faculty to create curriculum or projects that use primary sources in the Briscoe Center’s collections. For additional information, view our Class Visits and Instructional Services page.

Need Help?

If you need help locating materials, or have questions about our policies or services, you can Contact Us.


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