Philadelphia Jewish Archives Center

Founded in 1972, The Philadelphia Jewish Archives Center (PJAC) began as a joint project between the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. In 2009, its collections became part of Temple University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center. The Philadelphia Jewish Archives Collection collects and preserves the historical records of the Jewish Community from the greater Philadelphia region. PJAC includes the personal papers of community leaders and the records of cultural, educational, religious and fraternal organizations and is the most extensive and varied documentation of any Jewish community outside New York City. The records of the Jewish Publication Society complement the SCRC’s publishing history holdings. 

Photocopiers: Copy machines are available on the first and fourth floors. Researchers may take photographs of collection materials for study purposes only, based on the physical condition of the materials, copyright law, donor restrictions, and [reading room rules](https://library.temple.edu/policies/camera-use-policy). Due to the fragile and rare nature of our materials, all duplication is performed by staff members. Depending on the condition, size, and quantity of materials requested, the SCRC reserves the right to refuse a copying order if, in its judgment, - fulfillment of the order would damage the item, - involve violation of U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U. S. Code) [more information about copyright issues], - require reproduction of a major part of a book or archives collection (we will not reproduce more than 20 percent of any book, manuscript, or collection), - or entail the use of excessive staff time and resources. Fees and payment for duplications can be found [here](https://library.temple.edu/services/request-copies-of-scrc-materials). 

Many of the special collections may be housed off-site, and require up to two business days to retrieve. 

Researcher registration and requests to use SCRC materials can now be made using your SCRC Researcher Account.