Teaching and Instruction

Research and innovative teaching are at the core of what we do at the University of Oregon. Our Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) are brimming with incredible resources available for use by everyone—manuscripts, photographs, rare books, films, and so much more. We’re here to help you and your students dive primary sources, making learning not just informative, but tangible.

Our dedicated instruction space, the Ken Kesey Classroom comfortably accommodates 20 seated students (35 standing) for engaging and hands-on sessions tailored to your subject area. 

If you’re planning to have your class work on a project using our materials, we highly recommend an orientation session to set the stage for an enriching experience. This advance notice helps our team provide the best possible support for your students.

Submitting an Instruction Request

If you would like to schedule a SCUA instruction session or would like to consult with us in designing a research assignment or special project, please contact us by submitting a request using the form below at least one month in advance of your proposed session. We review requests in the order we receive them and will get back to you with a confirmation, along with all the details you need for a successful visit. Please note that sessions are not guaranteed and are subject to the availability of SCUA faculty librarians/archivists. 

Preparing Your Students

We love sharing our collections, and we want to ensure a smooth visit. Share these quick tips with your students before they arrive:

  1. Leave the pens and snacks behind: No food, drinks, or chewing gum allowed in the classroom.
  2. Pack light: Backpacks and large bags aren’t permitted, but we have lockers for personal items.
  3. Laptops and mobile devices are allowed: Technology is welcome, and photographs are permitted.
  4. Handle with care: Our materials are fragile, so let’s treat them gently! SCUA staff will teach your students how to handle rare materials. 
  5. Respect each other: Keep noise to a minimum to create a great atmosphere for everyone.
  6. To display, exhibit, publish, or download any of our materials, you must obtain our permission.
Indicates required field
What type of session are you interested in? Check all that apply.
Overview of SCUA processes and materials.
A session exploring rare and archival materials, tailored to your subject. SCUA host leads entire session.
A session exploring rare and archival materials, tailored to your subject. Session led by course instructor, with SCUA host present in the room.
Scaffolded classes meet at SCUA multiple times over a single term. Approval for scaffolded classes dependent on Director approval, staffing and space availability. Requests for scaffolded classes require additional consultation - SCUA staff will contact you to discuss further.
Embedded classes meet at exclusively at SCUA and require SCUA faculty as co-instructors. Approval for embedded classes dependent on Director approval, staffing and space availability. Requests for embedded classes require additional consultation - SCUA staff will contact you to discuss further.
Scaffolded reading room sessions allow a class of students to practice requesting materials and learn the basics of conducting research. Sessions are offered only on weekdays, outside regular operating hours (M-F, 10am-4pm). Sessions subject to staff and space availability.
Course reserves are a curated set of materials placed on hold for the duration of a class or term. Materials are accessible to students in the Reading Room during regular operating hours (M-F, 10am-4pm).
Meet with SCUA's Instruction and Outreach Archivist to brainstorm and determine which modality is best suited for your needs.
Do you have an in-class exercise planned?
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx, odt, ppt, pptx, odp, xls, xlsx, ods.
Are there specific materials or collections you want to use for the class?
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx, odt, ppt, pptx, odp, xls, xlsx, ods.