HON 126 - The Daley's Chicago: From Midcentury to Global City: Visit Special Collections

The Richard J. Daley Special Collections Department houses collections of rare books, manuscripts, and photographs. The rare book collection includes books of permanent, historic, and research interest focusing primarily on the history of Chicago. The manuscript holdings consist of records of individuals and organizations important to the history of Chicago. Images of these individuals, organizations, and Chicago form the core of the photographs and digital images collection.

• When you visit the first time you'll fill out a Researcher Registration form. Bring a Photo ID.
• Ask at the front desk for a locker key to place your belongings such as coats and book bags. Only bring in material you need to complete your research. Laptops, notebooks, and digital cameras are permitted. Please use only pencil when taking notes (the Reading Room staff can provide pencils).
• The archivist will bring out one box at a time. Please take only one folder out of a box at a time so that they don't get mixed up. Keep the item in the folder in the same order you found them.
• Ask for white cotton gloves if you'll be handling photographs.
• Please handle all materials delicately. We want the items you're interested in to be available in good shape to researchers in the future. 
• Library staff can make photocopies or scans for you for a small fee. Find more information about photocopies and scans.
• You can use your phone or a digital camera to take pictures of materials.  Find more information about taking pictures.
• Remember the Reading Room Staff is always available for questions and will be glad to assist you!

Please get in touch with us. We would love to hear about your research topic, help you find materials in our collections, or give you some tips about how to get started.

When you are ready to come for a visit it is a good idea to make an appointment so we can be ready for you. 

• Email us

• Request a research appointment

• Call us at (312) 996-2742

• Click on the blue rectangle at the bottom right of your browser window, titled "Chat with a Librarian"