The Institute Archives and Special Collections welcomes the opportunity to facilitate student engagement with primary sources and object-based learning. We are committed to integrating our collections of manuscripts, books, institute archives, and other material into the academic life of Rensselaer.

Archivists are happy to help select material and work with faculty to structure a class or accommodate specific class projects. Classes usually visit the Archives for a single, focused, hands-on session, but we welcome the possibilities of additional methods of instruction. We can also reserve key material for students to investigate over the course of the semester.

Our main Reading Room can seat up to 24 students for class instruction, but no more than 4 students at a time who return for one on one instruction and guidance with an archivist.

Please visit the Archives 101: Guidance for Effective Research page for resources and guidance.