Policies and Procedures

Loans: Because so many of our collections are unique or rare, materials do not circulate.

Researchers: Please plan ahead for your research visit and write us, e-mail us, or give us a call to discuss your interests. This will enable us to pull materials in advance and to prepare for your visit. We ask that all researchers register at the reception desk, and present your photo ID. You will be asked to fill out a researcher form. Please sign in and out of the Reading Room.

Access and Restrictions: Anyone who registers, provides acceptable identification, and abides by the policies and rules of Special Collections will be permitted to use unrestricted materials in the collection. Access to materials may be restricted by condition of gift, by the physical condition of the material, or out of regard for the rights of others.

Preservation: We ask that all researchers take care when using our materials. Materials should not be written upon or handled in any manner that would damage them. Materials are not to be removed from the reading room. Readers must keep papers in their folders and maintain the order in which they are arranged. Briefcases, book bags, or other items should not be placed on the worktable. Food and beverage are prohibited in the Reading Room.

Copyright: Special Collections assumes no responsibility for infringement of copyright. The researcher is responsible for obtaining the necessary publication rights and copyright clearances for reproduction or publication.

Reproduction: If photocopying or other reproduction can be done without injury to the materials and does not violate copyright or other restrictions, a single copy of any item will ordinarily be made for the researcher's personal use upon payment of appropriate fees. Said copies may not be later duplicated or transferred to or deposited with another person or institution. For some collections, the researcher may be requested to return the copies after use.

Publication: If you plan to publish or exhibit original material from the Manuscript Collections or from the Archives, you must make a written application for permission to the Curator of Manuscripts and Assistant University Archivist. This permission is granted only for one-time use, in one publication, exhibit, or activity, in one edition, and in one language. Subsequent use of any sort requires specific written permission and payment of the requisite fees. Each use of materials must be accompanied by proper credit to Special Collections. In granting permission, Special Collections does not surrender its right to exhibit, publish, or otherwise reproduce the materials, nor to grant permission to others to do so. It is the user's responsibility to guard against the infringement of copyright.

Publication/Exhibition of Photographs: In addition to the reproduction, shipping and handling fees for photographs from our collections, fees are charged for all uses of our photographic images. Income from these publication/exhibit fees provides the primary funds for the preservation of and access to our photographic collections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rare Books and Book Values

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