Towson University’s Special Collections and University Archives contains one-of-a-kind resources for the use of university students, alumni, faculty, and staff as well as the general public. Upon arrival, staff will assist you in accessing the materials. Due to the rare and delicate nature of many of our resources, our use policies differ from the rest of the library.
To ensure future generations of researchers will also have access to these materials, please be aware of these guidelines:
- Our materials do not circulate and are only available for viewing in the SCUA office.
- Lockers are provided for coats, hats, bags, and other personal belongings not permitted in the Reading Room.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the Reading Room.
- Personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones, as well as pencil and paper, may be used. Pens or other marking devices are not permitted.
- Materials may not be marked, erased, folded, torn, cut, traced, or altered in any way.
- Folders and their contents must remain in original order. Remove only one folder at a time from a box.
- Duplication is allowed through non-flash photography and scans.
- SCUA reserves the right to deny requests for access or reproduction due to preservation concerns, legal requirements (FERPA), or donor restrictions.
- The Reading Room is reserved for use by visitors accessing SCUA materials, and is not open for general use.
- All visitors will be asked to check in with our staff and agree to follow stated policies.
Getting here
The SCUA office and reading room are located on the fifth floor of the Albert S. Cook Library.
To locate the library, please use the interactive campus map. The library is located between Newell Ave., Stephens Ave., and Glen Drive.
Visiting from off-campus
Mass Transit
CityLinkRED, Route 52 LocalLink Bus, or Route 53 LocalLink Bus / York Rd. and Aigburth Rd.
Route 51 LocalLink Bus / Towsontown Blvd. and University Ave.
For detailed maps and trip planning information, visit the MDOT/MTAT website.
Parking
Visitors may park on campus in the Towsontown Parking Garage. Visitor parking is designated on the second level. Vehicles must have a valid permit or visitor pass from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Use the pay-by-plate station to purchase a visitor pass ($3 per hour).
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available in the Glen Drive Lot. Accessibility placards or license plates must be displayed. Vehicles must have a valid permit or visitor pass from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Use the pay-by-plate station to purchase a visitor pass ($3 per hour).
For detailed directions, visit the Directions to Campus page. To see all visitor and accessible parking areas, use the campus map (select "visitor parking" or “accessible parking”).
For more information, please contact the department at 410-704-2093 or spcoll@towson.edu, use our Ask a Librarian chat service, or refer to the Visit Towson University page.