Frequently Asked Questions

Libraries provide access to published materials, such as books, journals, and audiovisual resources, many of which can be borrowed. The University Archives preserves and provides access to unique, unpublished, and one-of-a-kind materials that document the history of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, the Laie community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, and the cultures and histories of Hawaiʻi, Polynesia, and Asia. Because these materials are often irreplaceable, they must be used in the Special Collections Reading Room rather than checked out.

A complete listing of Archives collection materials can be found in the BYUH Special Collections Reading Room. Questions about specific materials housed in the BYUH Archives can be directed to archives staff at archives@byuh.edu.

The BYU–Hawaii University Archives preserves materials that document the history of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, the Laie community, and the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Our collections also support research on the cultures and histories of Hawaiʻi, Polynesia, and Asia. Materials include manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual recordings, oral histories, university publications, rare books, and selected cultural artifacts.

While our staff is happy to help you identify relevant collections and answer questions about our holdings, we are unable to conduct research on your behalf. Archival research can be time-intensive, so we encourage you to plan ahead and allow ample time for your visit or research request.

Archival research takes time, as each project is unique and often involves reviewing original, unpublished materials. We recommend planning at least one hour for your visit, though more extensive research may require several hours or multiple visits.

Yes. We welcome researchers and visitors from the university and the broader community. All visitors must present a valid photo ID and agree to follow the Reading Room Rules to ensure the safe use and preservation of our collections.

To help protect our collections, only a few personal items are permitted in the Reading Room. Visitors may bring pencils, loose paper for note-taking, and a laptop or tablet. Bags, purses, food, drinks, pens, and other personal belongings must be stored in the complimentary lockers provided. Please refer to our Reading Room Rules for complete guidelines.

Self-service copying is not available. Most documents and photographs can be scanned by Archives staff and emailed to you at no charge, though requests may require processing time. Copies of audiovisual materials, such as audio or video recordings, may require specialized duplication through the BYU-Hawaii Makerspace. In those cases, the Makerspace will provide information about costs, processes, and estimated delivery times.

Digital images and files from the University Archives website may be used for personal research, private study, teaching, and other non-commercial educational purposes. Permission to publish or use these materials beyond the terms outlined in our Digital Use Policy requires a written request to the University Archivist. Please see the Digital Use Policy under the Policies section of the University Archives website for complete terms of use.

No. University Archives materials do not circulate and must be used in the Archives Reading Room. This helps ensure the long-term preservation and availability of these unique and often irreplaceable materials.

If you are unable to finish your research before the Archives closes, Archives staff will retrieve the materials and, when possible, set them aside for your next visit. Please check with staff regarding how long materials can be held.

Photographs and other archival materials may be used for personal research, teaching, and other non-commercial educational purposes as outlined in our Digital Use Policy. Permission to publish or use archival materials beyond these purposes requires a written request to the University Archivist and the completion of a Permission to Publish form.

We welcome inquiries about potential donations that support the collecting scope of the University Archives. Before contacting us, please review our Donation Policy under the Policies section of the University Archives website. If you believe your materials are appropriate for the Archives, please contact the University Archivist to discuss the donation process.

The University Archives does not provide appraisals or assess the monetary value of books, manuscripts, artworks, artifacts, or other historical materials. If you need an appraisal for insurance, tax, or other purposes, we recommend consulting a qualified professional appraiser.

The University Archives does not generally provide digitization services for personal or family collections. However, if you are interested in donating the original recordings or a digital copy to the University Archives, and the materials align with our Collection Development Policy, please contact the University Archivist. In these cases, the Archives may be able to arrange for digitization and provide you with a digital copy, depending on available resources and the nature of the collection. If you are seeking a digital copy for personal use, we recommend contacting The Makerspace to see if they are currently able to assist with your request.

No. Because archival materials are unique and often irreplaceable, the University Archives does not borrow or lend collection materials through interlibrary loan. If you wish to use materials held by another archive or special collections repository, you should contact that institution directly to learn about its access policies and make arrangements for your visit.

Yes. Special permission for the temporary loan of University Archives materials for exhibitions, classroom instruction, or other educational purposes may be granted by the University Archivist. Because archival materials are often unique and irreplaceable, all loan requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the primary goal of ensuring the long-term preservation and security of the collections. 

Approved borrowers must complete an Archives Loan Application describing the purpose of the loan, the requested loan period, how the materials will be housed and handled, and the security measures that will be in place to protect them. In some cases, borrowers may also be required to complete collections handling training before materials are released. Most loans are made to museums, archives, libraries, and other institutions that can provide appropriate environmental conditions and security for the collections.

Most archival collections are open for research. However, some records are restricted because the University Archives serves as the official repository for the records of university departments and certain outside organizations. Unlike collections, which are assembled or donated to support research, records document the operations and activities of an organization and may contain confidential or sensitive information.

Access to restricted records requires written permission from the head of the department or organization that created the records. The permission request should include the purpose of your research or intended use of the materials. Please contact the University Archivist for information about the access process and assistance in identifying the appropriate person to authorize your request.