How to access MLK papers collection

An early typed draft of the “I Have a Dream” speech that moved a nation 45 years ago popped up on a computer screen Tuesday as a collection of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s papers became available to the public for the first time.

The speech, with handwritten notations by King, is one of 10,000 items archived at the Robert W. Woodruff Library at the Atlanta University Center. Most have been digitized and catalogued so that images can be viewed on site by patrons at the library. But descriptions of the papers and books are accessible online, said library director Loretta Parham. Go to www.auctr.edu/mlkcollection.

The King family owns the right to the content of King’s writings. Permission to reproduce or excerpt his papers must come from his estate.

ACCESS TO THE MOREHOUSE KING PAPERS

Included

Typed and handwritten manuscripts, correspondence, index cards and office files; more than 1,100 books from King’s library, many with handwritten notes.

Who can use

Anyone who signs an agreement to adhere to the library’s policies for the collection.

Access

The Archives and Special Collections Department

Upper Level

Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center

111 James P. Brawley Drive

Atlanta

Hours

1-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 1-5 p.m. Friday; noon-

5 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Arrangements

Appointments for viewing will be granted up to 90 minutes in 30-minute slots. Walk-ins will be served in 30-minute slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 404-978-2052 or e-mail archives@auctr.edu.

Restrictions

No downloads, photocopies or photographs of King collection materials are permitted. Permission to publish from the collection must be granted by Intellectual Properties Management, Inc., 449 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312.