Using Collections

General

Everyone is welcome to visit the Avery Research Center located at 125 Bull Street. The Avery Research Center reference staff can answer questions about books, printed materials, historical or manuscript collections, or other items. The staff will assist researchers in identifying and retrieving the material they need for research.

Appointments

The Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club Reading Room is open by appointment only from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m Monday to Friday.

All in-person research will be by appointment only at least TWO business days in advance. Walk-in appointments will not be permitted. Access to an on-site appointment will only be granted after a virtual consultation. Make a virtual consultation (via Zoom), call 843.953.7608, or fill out form. Occupancy in the Reading Room will be limited to one researcher appointment (max 2 people/appointment) at any given time.

To request materials for your visit, please contact us with your materials request by making an appointment.

1. All personal articles are to be deposited in the lockers in front of the reference desk. Only items necessary for taking notes may remain with you (notepads, laptops and pencils only please).
2. The material’s use is confined to the research area. The storage areas are closed to everyone but staff.
3. Researchers will be permitted only one box or folder of manuscript material at a time.
4. All manuscript materials must be kept in the order in which they are found. Manuscript and other materials may not be leaned on, written on, folded anew, or handled in any way likely to damage them. Post-it notes may NOT be used to mark places, only acid free slips of paper (see reference desk).
5. Photographing material may be arranged only under the supervision of staff.
6. Requests for a reasonable amount of photocopying may be made to the staff member on duty. Photocopy request forms are available at the front desk. Title 17, United States Code (Copyright Law) states the photocopied or reproductions are not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” Patrons assume all responsibility for adhering to existing copyright restrictions. Anyone contemplating publication of unpublished materials must obtain permission from the author or owner of literary rights. If permission is granted, the researcher must give appropriate credit to the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture of the College of Charleston. The department assumes no responsibility in cases of infringement.
7. Researchers are asked to request no new material after 4:00 p.m. so that materials may be returned. Materials in use may be reserved for the following day. The library reserves the right to search book bags, briefcases, purses, etc. upon a researcher leaving the premises.

Processed manuscript collections and other cataloged items (i.e. books, pamphlets, audiovisual materials) can be searched via the College of Charleston Library’s online catalog and via ArchivesSpace, an online finding aids database.

Additionally, you can locate digitized materials via the Lowcountry Digital Library, or through various Research Guides.

The following basic credit line must be used for each image reproduced, unless an alternative is provided.

• Courtesy Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC.
• We ask that you comply with these guidelines:

Published Materials: the credit line should appear on the same or facing page as the image or on a separate photo credits page. Each individual image must be credited properly.

Films, Filmstrips, and Video Presentations: include the credit within the “Sources for illustrations/Images” or “Credits” section of the production.

Exhibitions: the credit should appear in the exhibition area, preferably directly below or adjacent to the image.

Web use: the credit should appear either adjacent to the image or in a “Sources of Illustrations/Images” section.

The Avery Research Center accepts the following as payment for reproduction and/or permission fees: cash, money order, check, and electronic payment. Checks and money orders should be written out to the Avery Research Center and mailed to the following address

Reading Room
Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture
College of Charleston
125 Bull Street
Charleston, S.C. 29424

To pay electronically (credit/debit card) please follow these instructions

1. Go to the membership page here.
2. Put in amount invoiced under “other”
3. Fill out payment information
4. Once payment has been put through email AveryResearchCenter@cofc.edu the receipt as proof of payment.
5. Staff sends patrons reproduction(s) and/or grants permission to use item(s)