Visitor Policies

1. Researchers must register at the Special Collections reference desk. Two forms of identification (one with photo) are required upon initial registration. Syracuse University faculty, students, and staff may provide their SU ID.

2. Special Collections materials do not circulate and must be used in the Reading Room. All materials are retrieved for the researcher by Library staff. Call slips for book and manuscripts are provided at the reference desk and are to be completed by the researcher.

3. All personal property, including coats, bags, notebooks, books, and folders, must be left in the lockers/coatroom. Personal books and loose paper are allowed in some cases and must be approved by the desk staff.

4. Food and drink are not permitted.

5. Only pencils and paper supplied by the Library may be used in the Reading Room. Pens, markers, highlighters, and post-it notes are not allowed and must be kept in the lockers/coatroom.

6. The Reading Room is a designated quiet area so please keep your voices to a minimum. Cell phone use is not permitted. Please take calls out in exhibition gallery or public lobby.

7. Laptop computers and digital cameras (with flash and sound mechanisms turned off) are permitted as long as their use does not disturb researchers or damage materials. Laptop and digital camera cases must be stored in the lockers/coatroom. All digital camera use must be approved by Library staff in writing prior to taking any images and is subject to any restrictions placed on the collection material. Flatbed/ handheld scanners or tripods are not permitted.

8. All materials must be handled with the utmost care. Books, papers, or elbows may not be placed on open books or manuscripts. Book cradles and weights are available at the registration desk. Gloves must be used when handling any photographic material. No tracings or rubbings are permitted.

9. The Library reserves the right to limit the number of books or manuscripts issued to a researcher at one time. Some restricted materials may be used only under direct supervision.

10. Researchers must not disturb the order of documents within folders or boxes. Please use one box, one folder at a time; place holders are provided to keep track of your place in the box. Do not remove materials for photocopying.

11. Photocopying/scanning is available upon application and is performed by Library staff. Slips to indicate materials to be copied are available at the reference desk. Permission to have materials copied must be secured in writing through the reference desk, and depends on the condition, content, and amount of materials, as well as possible restrictions on use. Complete information on copying and fees is available at the reference desk.

12. Materials may not be left unattended in the Reading Room without permission. Researchers are responsible for materials until those items are returned to the desk in person and discharged. Materials that will be required again within two weeks can be placed on reserve. Materials must be discharged or placed on reserve by 4:45 p.m.

13. Before leaving the Reading Room, readers must present all materials for inspection and sign out with the  reference desk staff.