Using the Reading Room

Researchers will be asked to complete a registration form, read the procedures sheet, and present valid photo identification in order to gain access to materials in the Archives. On subsequent visits researchers will be asked to present Reference Desk staff with a valid photo ID when signing in.

Researchers may bring notepaper, notebooks, note cards, pencils and computers (without cases) into the Reading Room. All other materials should be left in the appropriate spaces provided in the reception area. Food and beverages are not permitted in the Reading Room.

Researchers and their possessions are subject to inspection when entering or leaving the Reading Room.

Using Materials

Remember that our materials are special, sensitive, and often fragile. Please do not lean on, fold, bend, underline, trace, apply sticky notes to, or otherwise cause harm to any of our materials.

Please wear gloves, when supplied by staff, for handling photographs and other special care materials.

Researchers may use any files or books housed in the Reading Room without requesting them from staff. When finished, please do not re-shelve Reading Room items; the staff will do the re-shelving.

To request items that are not housed in the Reading Room please complete a call slip and staff will retrieve those items for you. Staff members will provide researchers with up to ten books, one box, or two loose folders or packets at a time. Please observe the following:

• Use only one folder from a box or one packet at a time
• Use an "Out Card" (provided) to mark the place of the folder in the box
• Do not remove items from folders or separate items from loose packets
• Use a slip of paper (provided) to mark sheets in folders or pages in books to be photocopied
• Do not rearrange items in folders
• Return retrieved items to the Reference Desk when finished

No materials will be retrieved within 10 minutes of closing time.
Staff members will provide items housed in the department's remote storage area within 24 hours of request.

Duplicating Materials

Duplication services are available for a fee. Only staff members may do photocopying or other types of duplicating. Staff reserves the right to not make copies if damage to materials may result. Since our materials are subject to provisions of the copyright law, staff reserves the right to set a limit on the amount of work duplicated. Copying items for researchers does not imply the right to publish. Researchers bear the responsibility of obtaining permissions where applicable.

Violation of departmental and library rules may result in denial of access to the library and, in the case of willful violations resulting in loss or damage to library materials, such violations may result in criminal prosecution.

These procedures can also be found on the back of the registration sheet.