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Pratt Institute Archives

Historical papers, images, and artifacts that document the history and development of Pratt Institute

Appointments & Hours

Archives staff are working on-site to answer reference questions and will continue to serve the community within and beyond Pratt Institute virtually and in person. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers who are not affiliated with Pratt, including alumni, must be pre-approved by the Department of Public Safety before coming to campus. As such, we ask that any on-site appointments for non-Pratt researchers be requested three days in advance. Pratt students, faculty, and staff may request appointments one business day in advance.

As per Institute policy, visitors are welcome on campus after submitting Pratt Institute’s COVID-19 Acknowledgement for Visitors/Guests/Alumni/Independent Contractors form and proof of full vaccination (i.e., 14 days from final vaccine dose). Anyone who has yet to receive full vaccination must submit a COVID-19 PCR diagnostic test that has to be administered and resulted within three days (72 hours) of their visit to Pratt Institute's property. Click here for more information on campus access requirements for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

To make a reference or reproduction request, please email archives.library@pratt.edu.

The Pratt Institute Archives welcomes all researchers, including Pratt Institute students, faculty, and staff, and members of the public. Because we are unable to accommodate walk-in visits, research appointments must be made in advance. Please visit our Policies page for our complete Access Policy. To schedule your appointment, please send an email to archives.library@pratt.eduOur hours are:

Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Fall and Spring semesters)
Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (Summer)

Location

The Archives is located on the third floor of the Brooklyn campus library. Maps and directions to the campus are available on Pratt's Visit Pratt page. 

Research appointments are held at the special collections reading tables on the first floor of the library. When you arrive for your appointment, visit the reference desk to check in. 

Researcher Guidelines

We ask all researchers to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • All visitors using archival materials must fill out a registration form.
  • Hands should be clean and free of oils.  If you have just eaten or put on lotion, please wash your hands with soap and water before viewing materials.
  • Archival materials do not circulate and can be used only at the dedicated tables in the reference room.
  • Use pencil, not pen, for taking written notes. Laptops, mobile phones, and other personal devices are also welcome.
  • Photography (without flash) for personal research or private study is encouraged. For other uses, consult with the archivist.
  • Bags, briefcases, purses, and backpacks should not be opened or placed on the table when materials are in use.
  • Food and beverages, including bottled water and gum, are not allowed.
  • Use one box at a time, and remove one folder at a time from the box.
  • Maintain the order in which materials are arranged. Never remove items from folders.
  • All documents should remain on the surface of the table and be handled with care. Do not rest your hand, arm or any object on the materials, or flatten bound volumes. Book cradles and weights are available if needed.
  • Use paper slips provided by the staff for marking places or indicating materials to be reproduced.
  • Wear cotton gloves (provided by the staff) when handling materials such as photographs and negatives not in protective enclosures. Never remove items from protective enclosures.
  • Please notify the staff if you notice any damaged materials or suspect items are out of order.