Manuscripts and Archives exists to preserve the heritage of the past and to make it available to researchers. These procedures are intended to provide equitable access to collection materials in a manner that ensures their preservation.

1. Researchers are required to leave all personal property in lockers provided for that purpose. Oversize items, which cannot fit in the lockers, must be left with the public services assistant in the reading room. Researchers must remove all personal belongings from the department at the end of day.
    
2. With permission of the archivist, researchers may bring materials for reference into the reading room. We reserve the right to search any notes or belongings.
    
3. Since pens, indelible pencils, and note pads or other personal papers are not permitted in the reading room, the researcher will find 8 1/2" x 11" loose paper and pencils available for note taking. We permit the use of loose note cards up to 5" x 8", laptops, and tape recorders, but cases must be left in the lockers.  
4. Readers may have one box or volume at their reading table at a time and no more than ten items in the reading room.
    
5. Researchers may browse the bookcases on the first floor, but we limit access to the mezzanine to the staff of Manuscripts and Archives.
    
6. Collection materials are non-circulating and may not be removed from the reading room without authorization.
    
7. Because materials are unique and can be fragile, researchers must handle them with great care. They may remove only one folder at a time from a box and they must maintain the original order of the folders in the box and materials in the folder. Materials may not be removed from folders for any reason. No marks may be added or erased, and no tracing or rubbing is permitted.
    
8. When researchers are finished with items, they should circle RETURN at the bottom of the call slip that accompanies the materials and notify the staff. Items will be held up to five days. If researchers have not returned within that time or made some prior arrangement with the staff, the held materials will be returned to their permanent shelving location.
    
9. As a courtesy to other researchers, please refrain from loud conversations or transcribing, and turn off the ring on your cell phone. Researchers must leave the reading room to make or receive telephone calls.
    
10. Researchers needing reproductions of items in the collections should speak with the public services assistant in the reading room.