Citing and crediting Special Collections and University Archives in all uses helps others find these rare and unique resources in the future. 

If you intend to use any collection materials for publication (including use in social media, website, presentation, etc.), a request to publish form (PDF) must be completed and signed by both parties.

Preferred citations

Consult with your instructor or publisher to determine which citation style and information they prefer. Use the library's citation style guide for help with using the most common citation styles. 

Citing entire collections

[Collection Name, date span]. [Collection #]. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.

Examples
  • American Society of Brewing Chemists Records, 1934-[ongoing]. MS 227. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.
  • Clementine M. Harris Diaries, 1898-1911. MS 338. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.
  • Pilar A. Garcia Papers, 1933-2011. RS 12/6/53. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.

Citing a specific item within a collection

[Item name or description of item, date]. [Box #, Folder/Photo #]. [Collection Name, date span]. [Collection #]. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.

Examples
  • Letter from Dorothy Kehlenbeck to P. Mabel Nelson, 2 March 1960. Box 2, Folder 9. Dorothy Kehlenbeck Bean Papers, 1953-1977 and undated. RS 25/4/51. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.
  • Executive Committee Minutes, Iowa Conservation Education Council, 3 January 1980. Box 12, Folder 69. Iowa Conservation Education Council Records, 1958-1998. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.
  • The VEISHEA torch being lit by Iowa State track athlete, 1966. Box 1708, Folder 1. University Photographs, VEISHEA records, RS 22/12/G. Special Collections and University Archives, Iowa State University Library, Ames, Iowa.

Credit line for non-scholarly circumstances 

Courtesy of Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives.