Information for Researchers

Reading Room Procedures

The Reading Room is open from 9am-noon, 1pm-4pm, Monday through Friday. Appointments are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments can be made online.

The following guidelines are required for all patrons working in the Reading Room:

• Masks are optional for patrons using materials in the Reading Room. If you would prefer that Archives staff wear masks during your visit, please inform us when scheduling your appointment.
• All researchers must fill out a Researcher Application form once per year, and sign the visitor log.
• No food, beverages, pens, bags or coats are allowed in the Reading Room. These may be stored in the cubbies near the main entrance.
• Researchers can use pencils, paper, laptop computers, tablets or cell phones for taking notes.
• Archival materials and rare books must be handled with care, and all researchers must follow any handling guidelines dictated by Archives staff.

Researchers are allowed to reproduce materials using personal cameras or cell phones at the discretion of Archives staff (see Scanning and Reproductions for more information).

Local History Research

For complete information about local history resources, including newspapers, city directories, maps, and census records, see our Walla Walla and Local History Guide.

The Archives houses the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin and other local newspapers on microfilm. Microfilm may be used by members of the public from 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday. Depending on the demand, use of the microfilm may be restricted to 30 minute increments.

Whitman students, faculty and staff can access the Union-Bulletin between 1945-2017 via Newspaper Archive. Non-Whitman affiliates can purchase digital access to the Union-Bulletin via Newspaper Archive here.

Scanning and Reproductions

Researchers are allowed to reproduce materials using personal cameras or cell phones at the discretion of Archives staff. In compliance with copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code), any copies must not be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship or research.” By allowing for reproduction, WCNA does not grant permission to publish.

Fees for Reproductions: Copies or digital scans may be made by Archives staff for the convenience of the individual user in support of research and teaching. Fees are waived for Whitman students, staff and faculty. Other fees may be waived at the discretion of the Archivist.

The time and resources required to create photocopies or scans depends on the nature and volume of the request, and the physical condition of the material. As such, reproduction requests will be completed at an hourly rate of $25 per hour, with a minimum charge of $10. Select paper-based material that can be photocopied or scanned in bulk can be done for $0.10 per page.

Please contact [email protected] for estimates on reproduction fees.

Permissions to Publish

Researchers wishing to publish, disseminate or display materials from the archives must complete a Permission to Publish form. The Archivist must approve all requests to publish materials from our collections. 

There are fees associated with requests to publish from our Collections. Payments may only be made by cash or check made out to Whitman College Archives.

Publication and Reuse Fee Schedule