Fees

The Library & Archives has two coin-operated, self-service photocopiers available. Copies are 15¢ each. Copies from original manuscript materials can only be made by the Library & Archives archivists if condition allows; the cost to make copies from original manuscript materials is 50¢ per copy. We encourage patrons to use non-flash photography to take images of original materials in lieu of requesting paper copies.


The Library & Archives has three Zeta Book Scanners available to the public. Individuals with a flash drive can save digital scans of pages from books. Patrons may use flash drives to save digital scans of pages from books or original materials (at the archivist's discretion). There is no charge for the use of these scanners, although a time limit may be imposed when others are waiting.


The Microfilm Reading Room has four microfilm readers that do not have copy capability. There is no charge to use the readers.


The Microfilm Reading Room has sixteen digital microfilm scanners that allow patrons to print (for 15¢ per copy) or save images to a flash drive. We encourage patrons to bring flash drives and use this option, which is free.

 

Manuscripts Materials

The majority of original manuscript materials at the Tennessee State Library and Archives have been microfilmed and are available to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am–4:30 pm (Central Time), excluding state and federal holidays. The manuscript materials which have not been microfilmed -- including photographs and maps -- are only available for viewing in the Manuscripts Reading Area. The Manuscripts Reading area is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 am -4:30 pm (Central Time). Please note: Archival materials are available for retrieval between the hours of 8:00-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm -4:00 pm. If you know you will need materials between 12:00 pm -1:00 pm, please call ahead to the Public Services section at 615-741-2764 or e-mail TSLA. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

We highly encourage that our patrons using original materials schedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance so that materials can be prepared for their arrival.
 

Telephone and Cell Phones

As a courtesy to our other patrons, we ask that you turn off cell phones while in the building; please make outgoing cell phone calls outside the building or in the first or second-floor lobbies.
 

Infants and Children

Children must remain under the close supervision of a parent or other adult. Running and loud talking are strictly forbidden.
 

Food, Smoking, and Restrooms

Eating and drinking are not permitted in the building, except in the designated Patron Lounge on the first floor.

In accordance with Tennessee state law (Public Chapter 410, Acts of Tennessee), smoking is not permitted inside the Tennessee State Library and Archives or within 50 feet of the main entrance.

Restrooms are located near the microfilm area and on the first floor.
 

Firearms and Weapons

Firearms and weapons are prohibited in the building (with the exception of officers of the law in the course of their duty [TCA 39-17-1315 (9b) (2)]. It is a misdemeanor to intentionally destroy, conceal, remove or impair the verity, legibility, or availability of a government record [TCA 39-16-504].