Archival Instruction Sessions

University Archives instruction sessions at the University at Buffalo provide students with hands-on engagement with archival and historical materials, encouraging critical thinking and primary source analysis. These sessions support learning across disciplines by exposing students to unique documents, photographs, and artifacts that deepen their understanding of historical context, authorship, and preservation practices. In addition to university history, the collections also reflect the broader history of the Western New York region and its diverse communities, offering rich opportunities to explore local social, political, and cultural narratives through original sources.

Policies for Archival Instruction Sessions

Request Process

  • Submitting an instruction request form does not guarantee or confirm availability. An archivist will reach out to you for additional information and class scheduling.
  • All class visits are taught by a member of Special Collections staff.

Instructor Requirements

  • Course instructors must be present for the instruction session. If an instructor is unable to attend due to illness or other reasons, the scheduled class must be cancelled and rescheduled at the discretion of Special Collections staff.
  • Make up sessions cannot be offered to students who miss scheduled classes. Faculty should work directly with students to identify alternative or equivalent assignments if necessary.

Session Guidelines

  • Classes must be actively engaged with Special Collections materials during the class. Sessions that prioritize lectures, discussions of general course readings, and other presentations that do not use our materials will not be approved.
  • First-time course requests are limited to one session per course only: no additional instruction, assignments, or activities are permitted.
  • Additional course instruction (multiple visits during the semester; use of a class cart; assignments involving Special Collections materials, etc.) are limited to instructors who have brought their classes to Special Collections at least once in a previous semester.

Materials Usage

  • All materials must be handled respectfully, and all instructions for handling and use given by a member of Special Collections staff must be obeyed. Special Collections policies must be followed.
  • All class projects involving the use of Special Collections materials, including student research outside of class hours, must be approved by a member of Special Collections staff.
  • All arrangements for professional photography or filming must be pre-arranged and approved by a member of Special Collections staff.
  • All instruction materials created by Special Collections staff are the property of UB Special Collections.
  • Instruction Request Form
    5/20/25