GUIDELINES FOR USE OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Materials in Special Collections are available for use Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during University and Law School holidays. Materials may not be requested or retrieved after 4:30 p.m.

REGISTRATION
Researchers wishing to use materials from Special Collections should contact either the Rare Books Librarian or the Library Director, who will arrange for access to the materials sought. It is best to make arrangements in advance for use of the collections to ensure ready availability. All researchers must register at the Reference Desk by completing a Special Collections Research form and may be asked for photographic identification. At the conclusion of research, researchers must sign out at the Reference Desk.

SECURING YOUR BELONGINGS
All belongings must be secured either in the office of the Rare Books Librarian or the Director before beginning research. Only looseleaf paper, pencils, laptop computers, and loupes are allowed in the Rare Books Room. Looseleaf paper and pencils are available at the Reference Desk or from the Rare Books Librarian.

USING SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Rare materials may be used only in specified locations depending upon the material. Either the Rare Books Librarian or the Director will retrieve the books or archival materials sought by the researcher. The researcher may work with a maximum of two books at a time, and in certain cases, depending upon the material, the researcher may be permitted to work with only one book at a time. If using archival materials, the researcher may work with only one box at a time. Archival documents must be maintained in their arranged order. If you find that archival documents are out of order, do not refile them, but notify the Rare Books Librarian who will examine the box and refile the documents. Looseleaf paper, pencils, laptop computers, and loupes are the only items permitted in the Rare Books Room.

Absolutely no food or drink allowed when working with Special Collections materials.

HANDLING RARE ITEMS
Researchers must follow all instructions given by the Library regarding the handling of rare materials. Many are unique, and many are fragile. Please note carefully the following:

 Researchers are asked to handle rare materials with the utmost care, and must use any supporting         apparatus, such as a cradle, as instructed by the Library. In most cases, rare books should not be laid flat on the work table, but must be placed in a cradle for support. Books may not be placed in the lap or in any other position off the table and cradle. Do not lean on any book.

 Researchers should handle pages by their edges to avoid bending or soiling, and may be requested to wear cotton gloves, if provided by the Library.

 Do not hold the books open with any weight or other apparatus.

 Do not write or make marks in any book, or fold the pages of any book.

 Notes must be taken on paper laid on the table, not laid on the book. No tracings or rubbings may be made of any pages or binding of any book.

 Should you find any unopened pages (pages which have not been cut), please bring the book to the Rare Books Librarian or the Director and do not attempt to cut the pages yourself.

 Should you need to photocopy any pages, please contact the Rare Books Librarian or the Director, who will determine whether the material may be photocopied. In some cases, rare materials may be too fragile to photocopy, and the request will be denied. Either the Rare Books Librarian or the Director will photocopy the materials for you.

 The researcher is responsible for obtaining permission to publish material from Special Collections, if applicable, and for compliance with all laws relating to copyright and defamation which may pertain to their use of the materials.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF YOUR RESEARCH
When you have finished your research session, bring the materials with which you were working to the Reference Desk and ask the librarian to contact either the Rare Books Librarian or the Director, to whom you will return the books. At this time your belongings will be returned to you and you will sign out at the Reference Desk.

PUBLICATION RESULTING FROM SPECIAL COLLECTIONS RESEARCH
The Law Library would appreciate receiving a copy of all publications resulting from research performed using Special Collections which cites materials contained therein, and also appreciates acknowledgment of use of the collections.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For information regarding use of the collections, or to arrange an appointment, please contact Jennie C. Meade, Bibliographer and Rare Books Librarian, at (202) 994 - 6857, or via e-mail at jmeade@law.gwu.edu.