Different Doings in Special Collections and Archives (compared to libraries)
- Users must register upon arrival.
- No browsing shelves. Most libraries abroad have closed book stacks. You will need to request the materials you want to see and a staff member will bring them to you.
- Generally you are allowed to use only item at a time. This may be a single book or single box of documents, or a single folder from a box.
- Materials must be used in the reading room. You will not be able to check them out and take them home or to your office.
- Reproductions might be allowed (photocopies, scans, or digital photographs) but policies vary. Be prepared to sit and transcribe the document if you are not allowed to make a copy.
- Users are generally supervised by staff while using materials because many of them are unique or fragile.
- Your materials, including notes, may be searched by staff upon leaving.
- Photocopy what you can. Make sure the copies made for you ave citation details included so you can properly cit them. If taking digital photos, take shots of the books' title page, front matter, and endnotes in addition to the material you want.
Other considerations