Conditions of Use

Owing to the individual or collective value or the age and fragility of items in the collections, it is necessary to maintain materials under special conditions. Material does not circulate but is available in Special Collections to all users of the library. Advance notice is required for use of some material in Special Collections so that it can be retrieved from storage. Researchers are encouraged to call in advance concerning the material they wish to see. Photocopying or other forms of reproduction of collection material may be possible; please consult the Special Collections staff.

We have special conditions for use and handling requirements which all researchers must follow. The rules below are designed to protect collections while providing the best possible service to users.

• All researchers must register to have access to any Special Collections and Archives material. We record your name, contact information, and research interest. Please bring a picture ID when visiting Special Collections.

• Special Collections’ reading area is reserved for the use of Special Collections’ material only.

• Place all personal property, including briefcases, backpacks, purses, notebooks with pockets, cell phones, coats and umbrellas in the storage cabinet provided at the entrance. Laptop computers, notepaper and pencils may be taken into the reading area. No cameras or scanners are allowed.

• All items brought into the Special Collections reading area must be submitted for inspection at the Reference Desk upon departure.

• No ink may be used in the reading area. Pencils are provided. Tape recorders and portable computers may be used at designated tables of the reading area.

• Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited in Special Collections.

• Request all items from Special Collections Assistants located at the Reference Desk. Request items no later than 15 minutes before the unit closes.

• Handle and read materials only at the reading area tables. Limit handling of items to the minimum necessary for your research and exercise all possible care to prevent damage to materials. Gloves provided by Special Collections must be worn when handling photographic or other fragile material.

• Do not mark, take notes on or trace on top of special collections material. Keep all material flat on the table; do not place items in your lap or hold them up.

• Manuscript and other looseleaf material require special care. Please maintain their existing order and arrangement. Suspected irregularities in arrangement should be brought to the attention of the Special Collection Assistants at the Reference Desk.

• Return all material to the Special Collections Assistant at the Reference Desk before leaving for the day or for an extended period.

• There is no self-service photocopying of collection materials. Requests for photocopying or for any reproduction in other formats, including photographic and digital scanning should be made to the Special Collection Assistants.





Revised on April 4, 2005.