Research Services

Cranbrook Archives welcomes the use of our collections by any member of the Cranbrook community, as well as external researchers and scholars. Many of our collections are stored off-site so appointments with 24-hour advance notice are required to ensure that the materials you want to use are available for you upon your arrival. Due to the nature of our unique collections, on site viewing is available in our Reading Room only, however many requests can be handled remotely. For all researchers, we are happy to schedule a phone or video consultation before or instead of a visit to the Archives. Please fill out the form below or email us at archives@cranbrook.edu.

Cranbrook Center for Collections New Archives Reading Room

DUPLICATION OF MATERIALS
The Archives staff will assist you with duplication of materials, depending on their physical condition. We also take into consideration donor agreements and copyright law. To ensure the safety and security of our collections, and to provide consistent service, digitization of any and all archival material will be undertaken by Archives staff according to best practices. 

The Archives provides a representative sample of our collections via our Digital Image Database.  To inquire about high resolution copies or to purchase photographic reproductions, please contact us via email at archives@cranbrook.edu. 

For more information, including permissions and appropriate fees, please reference the Duplication and Research Services form and the Use Fees Schedule.

READING ROOM USE
Archives staff will be available to assist you throughout your research experience. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve the materials in our care and, as such, the following safeguards must be adhered to:

  • All coats, briefcases, book or computer bags, books, newspapers, and other personal belongings must be stored in the lockers. Laptops may be used instead of paper and pencil.
  • Cell phone use is PROHIBITED in the Reading Room; please turn your phone off or set it to vibrate.
  • Food and drink are not allowed in the Reading Room. 
  • When using boxed collections, please remove only one folder from a box at a time. Do not mark up any materials or write notes on top of original documents/photographs.

READING ROOM HOURS

  • Appointments available Monday through Friday, 10:00AM to 4:30PM. The Reading Room closes between 12-1PM each day. 
  • Closed annually in observance of the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas through New Year (December 24 through January 1).

Please fill out the form below to submit a research request or to schedule a consultation.

Banner photo by P.D. Rearick, CAA '10
Header photo courtesy of Cranbrook Archives, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, Bloomfield Hills.