...
- Upon entering the Special Collections unit, the user must place any and all coats, briefcases, bookbags, parcels, packages, and umbrellas in lockers or at the designated location by the door.
- Prospective users must show acceptable identification and register by signing the designated form to indicate they understand and agree to abide by the following rules governing use of Special Collections materials.
- The user may then request to use specific Special Collections materials by submitting a completed materials request form (see sample attached as Appendix A) to the Special Collections desk attendant. Only two items (or one photographic portfolio) may be requested at a time. Requests are not accepted within 15 minutes of the hour the unit closes to the public.
- All requested materials will be retrieved by a staff member and delivered to the user at a reading table. Note: Use of some Special Collections materials may be refused because:
- of restrictions imposed by deposit or gift agreements,
- or for reasons of confidentiality (e.g., certain record series within the University Archives). Staff will inform readers accordingly.
- the Library holds a duplicate in another more accessible and appropriate format (e.g., the Baltimore Sun and UMBC Retriever are also available on microfilm). Staff may make exceptions according to users' particular research needs.
B. Rules governing handling and use of special collections:
- Materials must be used in the designated reading area under staff surveillance. Users may not remove materials from the assigned reading table except to return them to the desk attendant.
- Notes may be taken only with a pencil or microcomputercomputer.
Use of ink is not permitted; no type of pen or ink may be placed on the reading table. - Open all books and albums carefully, paying close attention to the condition of the spine and binding.
- Materials must be retained in their original order (e.g., loose pages in a folder, folders within an archival container) as received by the user.
- Users are not allowed to write upon, mark, lean upon, trace, fold, or otherwise misuse materials which have been provided for their use. Electronic scanning may not be performed without specific permission. Careless handling of materials may lead to the denial of user privileges.
- It is the user's responsibility to handle materials with deliberate care and stay alert to the possibility of damage. Report to staff immediately any and all perceived damage such as tears, breaks, folds, or abrasions.
- Special Collections staff will check all returned materials for completeness and condition upon return.
...
previously implemented policy revised 10/30/92; minor edits 8/18/08
F: adm\pm\265