About the Libraries: Libraries and Centers: Special Collections and University Archives:
Service Information: Reading Room Rules

Patron Rules and Regulations

Welcome to Special Collections and University Archives. In order to insure the preservation of our collections for you and those who follow, we ask that you follow these simple rules.

General Information

• The New Jersey Room is specifically reserved for patrons using Special Collections or University Archives holdings.

• Materials do not circulate and must not be removed from the reading room (microfilm excepted).

• Necessary conversation must be in low tones to avoid disturbing others.

• Eating, drinking or smoking in the reading room is prohibited.

Registration

• Patrons must register and sign in at the information desk in the New Jersey Room.

• Patrons must stow coats, bags, packages, briefcases, hats and umbrellas in the coat room. (Lockers are available at no cost. Tokens are supplied at the information desk.) Only necessary paper and reference materials are permitted in the reading room.

• Belongings are subject to search before leaving and must be retrieved by 5 p.m.

Use of Materials

• Patrons must use pencil; pens are prohibited. Pencils are available at the information and reference desks. Do not mark, erase, lean on, write on or trace any materials.

• Items in envelopes or folders must be kept in the order they are arranged. Please advise reference personnel of misplaced or missing items.

• Patrons wishing to use manuscript collections, University records, rare books or Genealogical Society of New Jersey (GSNJ) materials must complete a yellow application form available at the reference desk. Requests are limited to five items at a time, and a separate call slip must be completed for each item or collection.

• Some collections or parts of collections may contain restricted materials. Application forms for permission to use restricted materials may be obtained at the reference desk.

• Materials can be paged until 4:45 p.m. Return paged materials to the reference desk and place New Jersey Room items on the bookcart. Do not reshelve materials.

Reproduction of Materials

Some materials may be copied by patrons. A photocopy machine is located in the New Jersey Room and takes only a copicard. Copicards are sold at the Copy Center on the lower level of Alexander Library around the corner from the New Jersey Room. During busy periods, photocopying is limited to ten minutes.

Some materials may be copied only by the Special Collections and University Archives staff. A copy of the policy and directions for requesting copies may be obtained at the reference desk.

Some materials may not be photocopied at all, including: rare books (X), folios, fragile, oversize and bound manuscripts. Consult the reference personnel regarding possible alternatives. In some cases photography may be an option.

Special Requests

Patrons wishing to use Special Collections and University Archives microfilm must use the microfilm reader/printers in the Microforms Reading Room on the lower level in the south wing beyond the Copy Center. Some form of identification must be left at the New Jersey Room reference desk, and the microfilm must be returned to the New Jersey Room before 4:45 p.m.

Patrons wishing to use Special Collections and University Archives items housed in the Annex must make the request 72 hours in advance to allow for delivery to the New Jersey Room. The Annex is closed on weekends.