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Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History

Our reading room is open to everyone; however, due to the unique nature of our materials, the process to use our collections is different than using a circulating collection (such as visiting your public library or using the materials in the third and fourth floors). Our stacks are not open for browsing,  and we are open by appointment only.

When you are ready to schedule an appointment, please send us an email.  Then read through our policies, so that you will be prepared for your visit.  Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Our Space

Without an appointment you can:

  • Browse (and use) our resources that are on the shelves
  • Enjoy quiet study space

Appointments are required for:

  • Using our rare and unique materials
  • Classroom use
  • Meeting use

Preparing for Your Visit

Once your appointment is confirmed, you will be asked to submit a list of materials that you would like to see during your visit. Please include call numbers and box numbers (if applicable). All requests must be placed by noon the business day before your appointment; materials will not be pulled the day of. If you are unsure of what you would like to see, please reach out to us at lib-alcfh@unf.edu.

What to Expect

  • Non-UNF researchers will be asked to check in and show an official photo ID at the front desk, you will then be directed to the Special Collections and University Archives on the first floor.  
  • All researchers must check in with a staff member at the reference desk, who will assign you a locker, a seat, and will ask you to fill out a "Patron Use" form, with your name, email, and research interest.  Staff will then use this form to track the materials you use during your visit.  Your information is not shared with anyone; we use this information to keep track of what you have seen, and for our own statistics.
  • You will then be directed to the restroom to wash your hands before handling any of the material, if you have not already done so (the use of hand sanitizer does not count).
  • You may request to view any of your materials, in whatever order you wish.  
  • We ask that you familiarize yourself with our reading room, photography, and reproduction policies before visiting.  These can be found here.

Location

We are located in Special Collections and University Archives, on the first floor of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library.  

Our address is 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Directions

Driving:

Use the address 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 and follow the signs for the Thomas G. Carpenter Library and Fine Arts Center Garage. 

Public Transportation:

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) bus 8A stops across from the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. For more information, please see the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) for UNF Campus website.

Parking:

The closest visitor parking is located at the Fine Arts Center Garage (Garage 44) on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors, and in lots 1 and 2, across from the library.  Single-day permits can be purchased using one of the 14 conveniently located Pay-by-Plate kiosks or online through the Flowbird app. Debit or credit card is the only acceptable form of payment. For more information, please refer to the University's Parking and Transportation website.

Click here to view a campus map.

Dining

While food and drinks are not allowed in the center, you may eat and drink in the rest of the library.  For your convenience there are vending machines throughout the library, as well as various dining options on campus that non-UNF researchers may use.

For a complete list of the on campus dining options, visit the Dine on Campus website.