Special Collections Access

Special collections are available to members, who are visiting the library, under the following provisions: 

Access request is made during normal business hours

The collection requested has been fully processed and cataloged

A manuscript request form has been completed in full (forms are available on 6th and 5th floors) 

A researcher can determine a manuscript's call number by looking at the catalog record. Check the library catalog for a complete list of entries to date.

Finding Aids to Manuscript Collections

Guides exist for many of our larger collections. These finding aids provide a detailed description of the collection's contents. The catalog record will note if there is an inventory for that collection. Check the library catalog for a list of finding aids available online.

Use

To assist the staff in maintaining the original order of the collections, researchers are requested to observe the following:

• Use one box and one folder from a box at a time
• Maintain the existing order of material within each folder and box (If there appears to be a problem, please notify the archivist. Please do not try to correct the problem yourself.)
• While in the reading room, please store coats and personal belongings (i.e., briefcases, knapsacks, purses etc.) in the space provided
• No food or beverages are allowed on the floor and smoking is prohibited
• Researchers may be required to use microfilm or printed copies of manuscripts when available
• Researchers can only use one manuscript at a time
• Patrons using manuscripts are expected to take notes in pencil to avoid making permanent marks (stray or otherwise). Laptop computers can be used
• All material must be handled with care. Turn pages carefully. Materials should be kept flat on the reading table and nothing (including elbows) should ever be placed on them. Marks may neither be added nor erased. Please do not touch the surface of photographic prints
• Manuscripts may not be removed by the patron from the table