Instructions for the Best Use of the Milwaukee Road Archives -
Milwaukee Road Inquiry

The Milwaukee Road Archives collection of the Milwaukee Public Library is large, only partly processed, and much of it is of a technical nature. It is not open for browsing or full walk-in service.

Photographs and technical drawings are organized by subject, with a large number of drawings indexed in a computerized database. There is a paper shelf list for much of the manuscript material and for many of the photos. This collection is not fully cataloged, so some material may not be available at the time of request. Material is constantly being processed. It is in a patron's best interest to recheck the holdings periodically.

Materials requested can be picked up in person at the Humanities desk within a reasonable amount of time following patron notification, but mail delivery is recommended. Most material can be reproduced for a fee; however, there may be use restrictions out of preservation concerns or legal considerations. Funds from copy fees are used to improve the collection.

Please provide both a complete mailing address and phone number in case there are questions about the material request. It is helpful if brief background information is provided regarding the purposes for, and major interest in, the material as well as suggestions as to the type of material required. The more concise the request, the more likely it will be processed in a timely manner. Please complete the inquiry form completely and mail to the library at the address on the form.

Inquiries are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the nature of the collection and the volume of inquiries received, responses may be delayed.