Access Policy
The Center for Southeast North Carolina Archives and History (CSENCAH) contains UNCW Library’s Special Collections (rare books and manuscripts), Government Resources, and the UNCW University Archives. The Center aims to connect the people and communities of Southeast North Carolina to the sources of their history and culture. The Center’s materials support the UNCW curriculum and assist in faculty teaching and student learning. Materials further the research of UNCW students, faculty, and staff, independent researchers, and the general public.
Visiting the Center
Visitors interested in viewing the Center's collections may visit the CSENCAH reading room during our open hours (current hours are listed on the CSENCAH website). Appointments are usually not required, but we strongly encourage visitors to contact us in advance of any planned research visit to discuss your research topic and confirm the availability of collections. Onsite research assistance may be limited.
Reading Room Policies
During open hours, the Center's reading room is available for use by any visitors seeking to consult the Center’s collections, which are noncirculating and may not be taken from the reading room. The reading room is not available for private study or non-CSENCAH research use.
Upon arriving at the reading room, visitors will be asked to present a valid photo ID and complete a registration form. Most personal belongings—including bags, cases, pens, food, and beverages—are prohibited in the reading room. Lockers will be provided for these items. Visitors may bring laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, and pencils into the reading room if they wish. Any personal items brought into the reading room are subject to inspection and approval by the Center’s staff.
Users should exercise care when handling the Center’s materials. Documents and volumes may not be marked, altered, or defaced. All materials must remain on the tables or support stands supplied by Center staff at all times; they shall not be held in the lap or propped against the edge of a table.
Care should be taken to preserve the existing order of loose archival materials, and papers should not be rearranged under any circumstances. Users shall remove only one folder of material at a time and use a placeholder card to mark the location of the folder. If materials appear to be out of order, users should notify a staff member.
Most of the Center’s collections may be photographed for personal reference use, but a staff member must give approval prior to photographing. Only smart phones, mobile devices, overhead scanners, and digital cameras (with flash disabled) are approved for photographing materials. Any equipment that requires physical contact with a document or excessive light exposure (including desktop, portable, or handheld scanners, lighting equipment, and tripods) is prohibited.
Duplication and Publication of CSENCAH Collections
Visit the CSENCAH website to view the Center's current policies governing duplication and use of our collections.