Because the vast majority of the Archives & Special Collections holdings are unique, rare, or extremely fragile, we ask patrons to help us preserve these materials for future researchers by following these special handling requirements:
- Arrive with clean hands, washed with only soap and water. Lotions and hand sanitizers are to be avoided before handling materials as they contain harmful residues.
- All non-circulating materials must be used in the Reading Room.
- No food or drink is permitted in the Reading Room at any time.
- All personal belongings, except those necessary for research (such as notebooks/paper, pencils, and laptop computers), should be placed away from the items. This includes coats, backpacks/purses, three-ring binders, and laptop cases.
- Materials must lie flat on the tables; do not place items in your lap or hold them up.
- The Archivist will instruct you on any other special handling requirements as objects require them.
- Do not rest objects on or take notes on top of materials.
- Only pencils and laptops are allowed. Pens and highlighters may not be used in the Reading Room.
- Nitrile gloves may be required to handle some materials, particularly negatives, prints or photographs, metal objects, and artwork. Gloves will be provided if necessary.
- Photography is not allowed in the Reading Room without prior permission. Personal copiers and scanners are also not allowed. The use of cell phones, cameras, mp3 players, etc., is not permitted in the Reading Room without prior permission for this reason.
- Researchers are permitted to use one box and one folder from the box at a time. Please take care to keep all materials and folders in the original order in which you found them. A paper flare will be provided to assist with keeping folder and item order.
- Please notify the Archivist immediately if materials appear to be missing, out of order, mislabeled, damaged, or have staples/paper clips.
