Guidelines for Use
The objects housed in these collections are noncirculating materials. Some of them are in fragile condition and to a great extent irreplaceable, hence certain precautions are necessary.
- Permission to use the collections will be granted to any qualified researcher. Identification (driver's license, work i.d., student number/i.d.) must be provided to the Archivist.
- Place all coats, briefcases and packages in the lockers provided in the reception area. Items may not be left in lockers overnight without permission.
- Please sign in and out of the daily visitors log each day when entering and departing the Archives. All papers must be inspected upon departure.
- No food, beverages, smoking, pets, or animals (other than service dogs) are permitted in any area of the Archives. No children under 18 permitted without proof of a legitimate research project.
- Hands should be clean for the handling of materials. Please avoid applying creams or lotions to your hands immediately before handling materials as the oils can transfer and cause considerable damage.
- Keep your notes and papers separate from the documents being used. A pencil should be used for taking notes; do not use a pen of any sort since permanent damage could occur if case of an accident. Portable computers and cameras are permitted.
- Clear the workspace; use one folder at a time; turn one sheet a time, keeping all sheets in order. If the materials appear to be out of order or damaged, please consult a research staff member. Do not attempt to mend or clean any document.
- Do not rearrange the order in which materials are delivered to you. No marks may be added to or erased from any material.
- Fragile documents are to be handled with extreme care. While the material from these collections is in your hands, it is your responsibility.
- Do not lay paper or cards on an object when writing notes. This practice leaves an impression that will shorten the life of the material.
- Do not make tracings or rubbings of archival material without specific permission and assistance from the Archivist.
- Do not write on, fold, or fasten together any archival documents.
- All photocopies must be made by the Archivist. The Archivist reserves the right to refuse photocopying requests if the material is restricted or will cause irreparable damage to the item. Photocopies are 25 cents per page. Photocopy requests exceeding 15 pages will incur a $10 additional charge to the rate of 25 cents per page.
- If you wish to have documents copied, do not remove the documents from the folders. Note the pages that you would like copied with acid free flags and ask a research staff member for assistance. All items must be photocopied by the Archivist. The charge is 25 cents per copy, plus shipping and handling costs if the copies are to be mailed.
- Material in the Archives collection does not circulate, this includes all books; items must not be removed from the work area except by the Archivist.
- If materials are restricted or have been separated from the collection, staff members will furnish information on the restriction or separation. For example, if a photograph has been moved from a file and placed elsewhere, a "Separation Sheet" will signal this relocation. Certain documents may be sealed for a certain number of years, e.g. oral histories.
- The Archives reserve the right to inspect all research material and all personal articles before a patron leaves the area.
- Examples of suggestions for citing manuscripts, archives and photograph collections are available upon request.