Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

Using Archives and Special Collections

Signing of bill making Ferris Institute a state college

Beginning Your Research

Review the Finding Materials area to determine what resources may be available on your topic. After that, contact Archives staff to determine what other sources may be relevant.

Visiting the University Archives

The University Archives and Records Management Reading Room is located in Alumni 101, in the heart of the oldest building on campus. Because of the unique materials, there are rules that do not apply to the general library collection.

We are here to assist you in your research to the best of our ability. Limited reference materials are available in the reading room including the Michigan Collection, Ferris Collection and university publications. All other materials are retrieved through an on-call basis. You must use materials in the reading room. You may photograph materials or get copies. For further information on using the University Archives, please review the Guidelines for Use of the Ferris State University Archives.

The University Archives usually provides reference service from 8:00 - 12:00 p.m; 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and by appointment. Please check our calendar for changes to this schedule.

Books from the Special Collections/Rare Books Collection are available in FLITE by appointment only.

Offsite Research Requests

Archives staff conduct some research for remote patrons. Examples include specific requests on deceased alumni or campus events when time permits. Some requests may be outside the capacity of the staff to fulfill.

There is no charge for offsite reference requests but patrons are welcome to donate the University Archives

Contact staff for further assistance.