Special Collections is an excellent place to spend the day conducting research. I went back to Special Collections without my sock puppet and received a warm reception. I can't remember what I wanted to look at but I do remember after waiting about 20 minutes, the curators came out with a cart loaded with three boxes full of archival photographs, old books, and manuscripts for my research pleasure.

As with the Archives in Washington, DC you have to come in with your own equipment such as a laptop and scanner because Special Collections does not have computer access for patrons. Typically one is expected to come in only with a writing tablet and pencil for taking notes. None of the materials can be removed from Special Collections.

The reason why I mention a scanner is that if one is working with visuals and researching for a journal article, readers like to see the visual the researcher is discussing. Because there is no computer equipment and materials can't be removed, one has to come in with their own equipment. Even then, the curator may restrict a patron from performing scans because the light from the scanner can degrade the materials being scanned. Also its a good idea to eat before going into the archives for the obvious reason that it is difficult to take out and put back the materials one requests; therefore, one really needs to select a day and time where they can spend a great deal of time in one sitting.