Special Collections Reading Room Guidelines
Holdings of the Special Collections Department are available to faculty, staff, students, and the public for research, within conditions imposed by donor agreements and institutional policy.
Special Collections processing and stack areas are closed to the public. Only staff members may page collections for researcher use. Materials cannot be taken out of the Special Collections Department.
Aside from notes and pencils, all personal belongings must be stored separately in space provided for these items.
All researchers must register by reading and signing the Researcher Registration form before using any materials. Researchers may have no more than three folders at their work location in the Reading Room at one time.
Researchers are advised that some collections are stored off-site, requiring 24-hour notice before the materials are made available.
Permission to examine departmental holdings is granted for reference purposes only. Access does not include permission to produce, reproduce, publish, exhibit, broadcast, or electronically disseminate the materials consulted by the researcher. Permission for these uses must be obtained by separate agreement(s) with the Special Collections Department.
Photocopying of material is provided on a fee basis. Photocopies are not to be used for any purpose other than for private study, scholarship, or research.
Cellular phones and pagers must be placed in the off position in the Reading Room. Laptop computers are permitted with notification of the staff. Use of digital cameras and scanners of any kind are not permitted.
Food, drink, water, and tobacco products are not permitted in the Reading Room.
The use of pens, highlighters, or indelible pencil is prohibited. Pencils are provided for use in the Reading Room.
Exercise care when using material:
- Turn pages carefully
- No weight should rest on material
- Do not mark, deface, alter, fold anew, or trace on material
- Do not place material in the lap or prop against the edge of the table
Gloves may be required at staff's discretion. If you receive a book with uncut pages, please bring it to the attention of staff.
Keep material in original order. If material seems to be out of order, note discrepancy to Staff rather than editing independently.
All material must be returned to staff before leaving the Reading Room for an extended period.
