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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Archives & Special Collections (A & SC) is located on the 5th floor of the Harriet Irving Library (5 Macaulay Lane) on the Fredericton campus of the University of New Brunswick.

What are your hours?

The Archives & Special Collections Information Desk is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. - noon; 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Please note that A & SC is closed on all statutory holidays. Also, our days of operation vary during the Christmas holidays.

How can I contact A & SC?

We can be contacted by e-mail, telephone: (506) 453-4748, or mail: Box 7500, Fredericton NB E3B 5H5 Canada

Who can use material from A & SC?

All members of the university community, as well as those outside the university, are welcome to use the resources and services of the department.

Are you the same as the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick?

No; the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick (PANB) also resides on the Fredericton campus but we are separate institutions. The Provincial Archives collects and preserves the documents of the people, institutions, and government of the province. UNB Archives concentrates on the collection and preservation of the official records of UNB and New Brunswick literary papers, although we do hold some more general materials relevant to New Brunswick history.

Do I need an appointment to look at archival/manuscript material?

Yes; it is advisable that you call ahead to confirm information desk hours and that the documents you wish to see are available. This is especially important if you are visiting from out of town and/or require extensive research assistance. Very occasionally, the research room is closed for staff orientation sessions, graduate class requirements, or for Archives' staff needs. Also, as many of our documents are stored in an off-site repository, advance notice is needed in order to arrange for the retrieval and delivery of these items. In order to receive optimal service and to avoid disappointment, an appointment is strongly recommended.

How do I locate materials that are housed in A & SC?

Books - most of our book holdings have been catalogued and are available in UNB WorldCat - the library's on-line catalogue. The location code (HILSPEC-AR, HILSPEC-H) is a very important piece of information and MUST be noted on the A & SC book retrieval form. A separate retrieval form must be completed for each book requested.

Archival/manuscript material - access to most archival/manuscript material is by means of finding aids. The finding aids provide detailed information on the contents of our archival collections. Most finding aids are accessible on the Archives & Special Collections web-site via The Gateway, our online database. Archival materials are retrieved by Archives' staff and must be used in the Winslow Research Room.

Can I check-out a book from A & SC?

No; our book collections are non-circulating. Copies of certain titles may be found in the main stacks of the Harriet Irving Library. Researchers are asked to check location codes within the UNB WorldCat record to confirm availability.

Can I make my own photocopies?

No; researchers are not permitted to directly photocopy any material housed in A & SC. Depending upon the condition of the material, and copyright restrictions, Archives' staff may provide LIMITED amounts of copying. Please note that there is a fee for photocopying material — consult our chart of reprographic fees for further information on pricing. We accept cash only.

Does A & SC have copies of local newspapers?

No; researchers should contact the Microforms Dept. located on the third floor of the Harriet Irving Library or the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. Both sites have extensive collections of New Brunswick newspapers on microfilm. Current issues of local, and some national, newspapers can be found in the Reading Room located on the 1st floor of the library. A & SC does hold copies of the Brunswickan, UNB's student newspaper.

Does A & SC have any photographs?

Yes; we have a substantial number of historic photographs of the University and its staff and students. The University Archives Photograph Collection contains images depicting all aspects of campus life. It includes shots of: campus buildings and landscapes, sporting events, social activities, and individual and group portraits. We also have many UNB class composite photographs dating from the late 19th century to the mid-1950s. These can be accessed via the Class Composite and Group Photographs Database. There are also photographs scattered throughout many of our manuscript collections. Please consult The Gateway and check off the "Scanned photographs only" box (located under the keyword search box) to limit your search results to photos.

How can I access loyalist material?

The Loyalist Collection " ... contains microfilm of British, North American Colonial, and early Canadian primary sources from approximately 1740 – 1870, with the chief focus being the American Revolution, and the early years of Loyalist settlement in British North America ... " This collection is located in the Microforms Dept.

A & SC does hold two major loyalist collections: the Winslow Family Papers and the Saunders Papers. Finding aids for these collections may be consulted in the Winslow Research Room. Please note that the Winslow Papers are now available electronically via the web.

Does A & SC have genealogical materials?

To a limited extent; A & SC does have materials that may be useful to genealogists, but, for the most part they are secondary sources such as city directories and published census records. We do suggest that genealogists begin their research at the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.

Does A & SC have birth, death, and marriage certificates?

No; researchers seeking information on New Brunswick vital statistics: birth, death, marriage and divorce records, should contact the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.