Have an accessibility request? Email parc@portlandoregon.gov in advance of your visit to our center. If there are ways we can improve the accessibility in person or online, we also appreciate your feedback.
Accessing the Portland Archives & Records Center
The Portland Archives & Records Center (PARC) is located within the Academic & Student Recreation Center (ASRC) on the Portland State University campus.
We are located at the PSU Urban Center/SW 6th & Montgomery stop for the Green, Yellow, and Orange MAX lines. The Portland Streetcar stop is also near us, and there are numerous bus lines that stop within a couple blocks of our building. Click here to check for your best option with TriMet.
There is some street and surface lot parking available, or you can pay to park in the PSU parking garage at 1812 SW 6th Ave. You can view the PBOT Disability Parking map for accessible street-level parking. The nearest disability parking street spots are located between SW Mill St. and Montgomery St. on Broadway.
We are the building located on the south side of the brick Urban Plaza. There are ADA-accessible ramps to access the Urban Plaza from both SW 5th Avenue, SW 6th Avenue, and SW Mill St. Upon arrival at the front entrance, use the intercom to call up to our office. The building is currently key-card accessible only, so we will buzz you in. There is a push button door opener located underneath the intercom for entrance assistance.
Once inside, take the ADA-accessible elevators to the 5th floor. The entrance to our center will be directly to the right as you exit the elevator. There is a doorbell located on the left side of the door that you can ring. Archives & Records staff will be onsite to greet you into PARC.
Can't make it down to our building? Request digitized copies of collection material through our PARC Request Form or email parc@portlandoregon.gov to explore other options. We can provide remote reference services over email, video conference, and/or phone.
Conducting research at PARC
Our reference staff are dedicated to creating an accessible and welcoming research experience for all of our patrons. The Portland City Archives Research Room is ADA accessible and includes access to height adjustable tables and chairs for conducting research, using our microfilm readers, or accessing our public computer terminal. While our reference desk is not height adjustable, our staff is happy to conduct your reference interview at another table that is comfortable for you.
Reference staff are available to assist with providing access to the small selection of reference books in our Research Room. All other historical collections are in closed stacks. Archives & Records staff will retrieve and deliver these collection items to your table.
Below is a list of additional assistive tools we have available in our Research Room:
- Magnifying glasses and sheets are available upon request. Please note that magnifying devices should not be placed in direct contact with archival materials.
- Large trackball mice, large type keyboards, and lapboards are available from the reference desk. Researchers are also welcome to provide their own assistive equipment and aids.
- Service animals are welcome. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are dogs or, in some cases miniature horses, that have been trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Pets, companion, and emotional support or therapy animals are not allowed in the Research Room.
Our Research Room is a fragrance-free workspace and noise is kept at a low volume. Looking for a quiet place to recharge? Consider taking a break in our foyer or the 5th floor terrace, weather permitting.
Restrooms
Restroom facilities are located on the same floor as PARC and all have accessible stalls. There is one, single-occupancy gender neutral restroom available on the 6th Floor.