Research Policies

The StFX University Archives collects, preserves and makes available to authorized researchers material which documents the history of St. Francis Xavier University and its chancellor, faculty, staff and alumni.

Use of the collection is open to all students, scholars and interested persons upon presentation of an appropriate form of personal identification. It is strongly encouraged that individuals visit the Archives in person. Researchers must complete an archival retrieval slip including name, address, phone number, institutional affiliation, topic of research and material requested.

Items may not be borrowed from the Archives Reading Room.

Access to some of the records may be restricted according to the St. Francis Xavier University Archives Mandate and Policies or the wishes of the donor. The Archivist will inform the researcher of any conditions that may restrict access to records being requested.

Hours: Normally, the Archives is open for researchers from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. However, staffing is limited so the Archives may be closed for vacations and illness. Researchers should call ahead to ensure that the Archives will be open when they arrive.

Requests for Research: The Archivist will answer brief telephone inquiries for information, as well as written, FAX and email inquiries. The Archivist and/or staff will spend no more than one hour of research time on each request for information from outside the University. If the request takes more than one hour of staff time, the Archivist will provide the researcher with a list of individuals who will conduct research for a fee.

Photocopying: Requests for copies may be filled if copying is possible without injuring the items and if restrictions will not be violated. The cost is $ .10 per page. There will be a limit of 50 pages per request. Payment is by cash or cheque at the time of the pickup. Requests that are mailed will include an invoice. The Archives staff will endeavour to complete photocopying requests within one week, depending on the volume of requests.

Reproductions: Requests for photographic reproductions may be filled if it is possible to do so without injuring the item and if restrictions will not be violated. The Archivist will send the items to a contract photographer who will send the completed copies and bill the research directly.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to abide by the Canadian Copyright Act.

Access to Archives records and provision of copies from Archives does not constitute permission to publish.

Genealogy: Resources for genealogical research are available throughout the Angus L. Macdonald Library, StFX University, as well as in the Archives. Requests for genealogical information should be directed to the Reference Department, Angus L. Macdonald Library. Requests are governed by the Angus L. Macdonald Library Genealogical Services Policy.

For more information, contact:

Kathleen MacKenzie, Archivist,
Phone: (902) 867-2201
email: archives@stfx.ca