Use of the American University Archives & Special Collections requires an appointment. Please email archives@american.edu to make arrangements.
Archives and Special Collections is located in the Spring Valley Building (SVB) at 4801 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016. The Spring Valley Building is located about a half mile from main campus.
Please note that AU Community members (students, faculty, and staff) will need their One Card to access the building and parking. All Visitors and Guests will receive access information after setting their appointment.
There is a parking garage with pay-as-you-go fare machines located under the building – the entrance is off Massachusetts Avenue just before the PNC bank. Additional information about campus parking can be found via the AU Parking Services website.
There are also free University shuttle services available to get to and from the Spring Valley Building. The Red Route Express runs between SVB and the Tenleytown Metro Station and stops at the Katzen Arts Center at Main Campus in between.
Once inside the building, Archives and Special Collections is located on the second floor in suite 204/205. Follow the building directories and signs for the University Archives. Please ring the doorbell outside the Archives suite when you arrive and a staff member will greet you at the door to assist you.
