Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

Q. Are you open to everyone?
A.Yes, All MMC Faculty, Staff, Students, and Visitors are welcome and encouraged to use our materials.

Q. Do I really need an appointment?
A. Yes, this way we know you are coming and can have the material you need ready as soon as you arrive. It saves you and the Archives staff a lot of time. We have a very small staff, and without an appointment, we cannot guarantee that someone will be available to help.

Q. Where are you located?
A. We are located in the S. S. Kresge Learning Resources Center as part of the Library on the 4th floor of the building.

Q. Doing Research
A. What should I bring to a research appointment? Bring a pencil, loose-leaf paper or a laptop if desired and an ID (Meharry ID, driver's license….). What should I not bring to a research appointment? A pen, as it could leak ink on a historical document, or food and drink as these items could also cause irreversible damage.

Q. May I make copies?
A. Much of Archives material is old, and quite fragile. If you come across materials in your research that you may want photocopied, use loose leaf paper to make a note of where it was—please do not pull items out of their original order, and bring it to an Archives staff member's attention. We will gladly copy what you need. You will be charged $0.25 per page if you a not part of the Meharry family.

Q. May I have this scanned?
A. Scanning decisions will be made by the Archives staff on a case by case basis. Please be aware that any material we provide unless otherwise agreed to is for private study, scholarship, or research only. It is your responsibility to follow copyright law.

Q. I live far away and need help.
A. We'll be very happy to try and answer your questions for you by e-mail, phone, or letter. Let us know what you need and we may also be able to point you to resources locally, through the internet or Inter Library Loan.

Genealogists and Family Historians

Q. What information do you have about alumni?
A. We have a plethora of information on Meharry Alumni. The robustness of information within easy reach varies greatly from year to year, but at minimum we can typically secure a graduation date. If the alumnus or alumna in question was active with or contributed regularly to the Meharry Alumni Association, we are likely to have a great deal more correspondence and detail on their life after graduation. Of course, the only way to find out for sure is to ask us.