At this time, we are unable to schedule any visits to use materials on site from the Hayes Research Library or the Perkins Archives. The Perkins Museum is also closed to visitors. 

Complete our virtual research visit request form and we will get in touch to discuss what options are available for your specific question and research needs. The options available may vary based on staff availability, physical access to our collections and other factors.

Many of our items are available digitally, including the most commonly used archives collections. We are glad to direct you to specific resources and help with questions about Perkins or blindness and deafblindness.

Remote services

Initial consultation to talk to a member of the Research Library about your research, learn about our resources and materials, and figure out your next steps and options.

Virtual research visit to learn about blindness and deafblindness history, or people associated with Perkins. This option also allows a deeper conversation about our collection and resources.

Consultation about available digital resources, reviewing specific collections relevant to your research.

Digital copies of non-digitized resources. Discuss the options for digitization and (as relevant) the costs and timeline.

Additional guidance

Virtual reference visits are scheduled based on staff availability. Conversations will be scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the topic(s) involved.

Synchronous conversations (by video or chat) must be scheduled in advance using the virtual research visit form and will take place between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, Eastern US Time. Available time slots may be limited and may vary. We will do our best to find a time that works for all involved. We are a small staff and appreciate your patience.

If you have a question that does not fit the above categories, please select “Other” on the form and describe your question or research needs in the text box.

If you are a K-12 teacher or student with a classroom project, please select “Virtual research visit” and describe the topics you are interested in.

When we confirm your appointment, you will be asked to complete a brief agreement agreeing to our policies for use of our images and materials.

Have other questions?

Please contact us with details about your research or question by emailing [email protected]. We will be glad to share the information or digitized resources we have available.

It helps us to know:

Learn more about our collections and resources: