Visit
Research Appointments and Group Visits
Special Collections and College Archives (SPARC) welcomes visitors from around the world throughout the year for research appointments, tours, and lectures.
We provide research appointments, viewings, and specialty talks that engage visitors with our rare and vast collection of primary source materials. In keeping with FIT’s mission to prepare our students for professional excellence, we endeavor to facilitate student learning and faculty teaching, and convey the importance of original primary materials, cultural stewardship, physical artifacts, and authentic sources.
To schedule a research appointment or group visit in SPARC, please review the information provided below. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us at (212) 217-4385 or [email protected].
Research Hours 2025 - 2026
Fall Semester: August 18 - December 17
- Mondays 2:00-5:00
- Wednesdays 2:00-5:00
- Sundays 2:00-5:00
SPARC will not host researchers between December 18th and January 4th.
Winterim Semester: January 5 - January 12
- Mondays 2:00-5:00 (closed on Monday January 19th for MLK Day)
Spring Semester: January 26 - May 17
- Mondays 2:00-5:00
- Wednesdays 2:00-5:00
- Sundays 2:00-5:00
Our research schedule is subject to change due to staffing levels and holidays. Please refer to FIT Library Hours for more detail.
Researcher Information
All Researchers
- To set up a research appointment, please fill out our appointment form, and someone will reach out to you to set up a time when you can visit. Our research hours are listed below and change every semester.
- SPARC is a closed-stack collection that cannot be browsed. Appointments are required for all researchers, and our appointment times fill up quickly.
- You'll need to provide a list of call numbers and titles of the items you want to view. Please see SPARC's Research Guide for assistance with searching our collection's holdings. The FIT Library has additional guides that may also provide research assistance. Contact us if you need any help or have questions.
- Please allow at least a week for us to respond, noting that we tend to get very busy in September, February, and around FIT midterms. We will not accommodate same day requests.
FIT Students, Faculty, and Staff
- FIT students, faculty, and staff can visit us with questions at any time the library is open! When you come by, please ring our doorbell as our reading room is locked.
Non-FIT Researchers and Alumni
- Even if you are not a current FIT student, faculty, or staff member, SPARC is happy to host your research appointment to view our holdings.
- You will not be able to come onto campus without first scheduling an appointment.
- If you wish to view items in the FIT Library (outside of SPARC), you must schedule a separate appointment. Details on how to do that can be found on the library's Visit page.
Traveling from Out of Town
- If you will be travelling to New York to visit us, we can sometimes make exceptions to our set research schedule. We understand how difficult it can be to access research materials you need for your work.
- We absolutely cannot guarantee that we can host your out-of-town visit with less than three week's notice. Before booking your trip, please reach out to us first so we can best help you.
Reading Room Guidelines
- While you are here, you may use paper, pencil (no mechanical pencils), laptop, camera/phone only. We can provide you with a pencil if you need one.
- Lockers are provided inside the reading room to store your personal belongings including device cases. You are welcome to go back and forth to your locker as needed.
- All cell phones must be on silent.
- Photography of collection material is permitted. Users must review and sign our agreement. The flash on your camera or phone must be turned off.
- No food or water is permitted in the reading room.
- Any type of liquid or gel, including hand sanitizer or moisturizer is not permitted. You will have the opportunity to wash your hands on site.
- Researchers are required to follow staff instructions on handling collection material.
SPARC welcomes group and class visits from within FIT as well as special interest groups and industry members from other institutions. We provide viewings and specialty talks that engage visitors with our rare and vast collection of primary source materials.
When requesting a visit please allow a minimum of two weeks advance notice, especially for any evening visit requests. To schedule a group or class visit, please fill out our group visit request form. As soon as we receive notification of the form, we will reach out.
FIT Goodman Resource Center
Gladys Marcus Library, Room E435
Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
New York City 10001-5992
SPARC is part of the FIT Library, and is located on the 4th floor of the Goodman Resource Center on the southwest corner of 27th Street and 7th Avenue. SPARC is in room E435, directly to your left as you exit the elevators.
Note that visitors from outside FIT must make an appointment to visit SPARC. Security will not allow those without a current FIT ID to enter the building.
Directions to the FIT campus can be found here.