How many items may I call for?
Because we have limited space in the reading room, we can hold no more than ten boxes (or five record center cartons) for each individual. You may submit multiple call slips but you should let the staff know which boxes you need to see first. It is important that you keep the reading room staff informed about the progress of your research. We will page additional boxes as you finish with a similar number.
Do I have an assigned seat in the reading room or can I sit anywhere?
Researchers using audiotapes, videotapes, or oversize materials such as architectural drawings or posters must make appointments to view their materials on the tables at the back of the room. Otherwise seating is not assigned in the reading room.
How do I know when the materials I have requested are available?
Materials are retrieved at scheduled times as posted in the Cowles Reference Center and on the departmental web site. To determine if your material is available, please consult the reading room staff.
May I just take my boxes off a cart when they come up?
Please see a reading room staff member to determine the cart on which we have placed your boxes. The carts are numbered and are arranged in sequence in the reading room.
You will need to sign your call slip to indicate you have received materials. You may then take one box at a time from the cart and bring it to your reading table. When you are ready to proceed to the next box, return the box you have been working with to the cart before removing another.
May I help myself to the books shelved in the reading room?
The publications on the main floor of the reading room are available as self-service items. We ask that you take one publication off the shelf at a time. We also request that you fill out a call slip for the items used so that we can track usage. All volumes that have the same first line in the call number may be listed on one slip.
How may I obtain copies of materials?
Photocopying, scanning and other reprographic services are available. Please consult reading room staff for information on placing or receiving an order for reproductions. We will make all reproductions, subject to department regulations and condition of material. No orders may be placed between 12:00 and 1:00 PM and after 4:30 PM.
What happens to my materials if I have not finished working with them by the end of the day?
We will hold materials in the reading room as long as they are in active use. If you have not finished with the materials when you leave at the end of the day, circle HOLD and enter the date at the bottom of the control (white) copy of the call slip attached to the needed item/s. Material will be left on the cart for your use the next day. If you do not return within five days of the last use or make some further arrangement with the staff, we will return your boxes to their permanent location. For subsequent use, you would need to resubmit call slips.
Who should I see if I have a problem? For example, I did not receive the right boxes, or the material appears to be out-of-order or missing?
Bring problems to the attention of the reading room staff. In the case of improperly arranged/identified material, please help us by writing a brief explanation of what you believe needs correction. This information will be invaluable for the archivist who will examine the material later and make whatever changes are needed.
Should I put books back on the shelf when I am done with them?
There is no need to reshelve the volumes. Simply circle RETURN on the call
slips and place the books on the cart at the public services counter.
The architectural details of the reading room, especially the ironwork on the gates and mezzanine railing, are very beautiful. May I photograph or videotape the area?
With permission of the reference archivist you may photograph or videotape the area. Photographing or videotaping of collection material, researchers, or staff is not permitted. An information sheet detailing the history of the reading room is available upon request.
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