Access to the Collections and Reading Room

The Critical Theory Archive is part of UC Irvine’s Special Collections & Archives held at Langson Library on the main campus. Affiliated with the CTA collection are many digital materials – including historical photos, newspapers, maps, and other ephemera – available online in the virtual repository UCI @ the Libraries.

VISITING THE VERLE AND ELIZABETH ANNIS READING ROOM


Researchers visiting the CTA have access to the Verle and Elizabeth Annis Reading Room located on the 5th floor of the library, room LL525 on the floor plan map. All visitors must complete in full the online Application for Physical Room Access before arrival. Check in at the Reference Desk in the Annis Reading Room and present valid photo identification to the attending staff. Please review the Rules of Use for Physical Reading Room for the archive’s specific policies for prohibited items and activities while accessing collection materials.

For scholars accessing the library’s Digital Collections, please note that some of these materials require additional registration before they can be viewed online. For full access to virtual items, researchers must complete an online Application for Virtual Reading Room Access, as well as supply photo identification. Refer to the Rules of Use for Virtual Reading Room for information concerning copyright policies and terms of use.

HOURS FOR RESEARCHERS


Academic Year: Monday – Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM

Summer Session: Monday – Friday, 1 PM – 5 PM

The Annis Reading Room is closed during the following Academic and Administrative Holidays: Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, and the Winter Administrative Recess. Be aware that Reading Room hours change during Summer Session.

 

REQUESTING PHYSICAL MATERIALS AT THE CTA


Reference assistance is available in the Annis Reading Room during open hours. Request all Critical Theory Archive physical materials with the Reference Desk. Materials in this collection do not circulate and can only be viewed within the archive’s designated viewing space. Because some items within the collection may be held off-site and not yet organized, researchers should contact the Reference Desk with requests in advance of their visit. For precise listings of all the materials within the Critical Theory Archive, see the Online Archive of California‘s entry for the collection.

RESEARCH CONSULTATION SERVICES


Visiting researchers from local areas and out-of-town are encouraged to prepare for their visit to the Critical Theory Archive by contacting Special Collections & Archives and Reference staff. The archive provides a Research Consultation Service that allows visitors to work closely with reference librarians in the construction of a research strategy. In doing so, the archive can better establish the location of relevant sources and materials within the CTA. It is the mission of the archive to advance excellent service to collection visitors, a goal expedited by open dialogue with our librarians and archivists on research needs. Consultations are by appointment only and typically transpire as 30-minute sessions.


QUICK LINKS TO IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Application for Physical Room Access 

Application for Virtual Reading Room

Rules of Use for Physical Reading Room

Rules of Use for Virtual Reading Room 

Langson Library, 5th Floor Map

UC Irvine Main Campus Map