Reading Room Guidelines
In order to ensure the preservation of our collections for you and those who follow, we ask that you follow these simple rules.
The Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room is reserved for visitors using Special Collections and University Archives materials. This also applies to the public service computer in the room. Visitors must check in at the Information Desk at the entrance to the Reading Room. All materials are paged in advance by Special Collections and University Archives staff.
- Only material for conducting research may be brought into the reading room (notebook, pencil, laptop, etc.).
- Place bags (including laptop cases and purses), packages, briefcases, and hats in the lockers just outside the Reading Room (locker tokens are supplied at the Information Desk). A coat rack and umbrella stand are also available nearby. These items must be retrieved by 4pm. See the Information Desk assistant for storage of large items such as suitcases.
- Materials do not circulate and must not be removed from the reading room, with the exception of microfilm.
- Please limit conversation to avoid disturbing others.
- Eating, drinking (including covered beverages), and use of cell phones are prohibited.
- Personal scanners are prohibited.
- Items leaving the Reading Room are subject to inspection.
Using Materials
- Use pencils only; pens are prohibited.
- Do not mark, erase, lean on, write, or trace on library materials.
- Items in envelopes or folders must be kept in order. Advise staff of misplaced or missing items.
- Patrons using manuscript collections, University records, rare books or Genealogical Society of New Jersey (GSNJ) materials must complete a yellow application form available at the Information Desk.
Some collections may contain restricted materials. Application forms for permission to use restricted materials may be obtained at the Information Desk.
Scans and copies
U.S. Copyright Law applies to all materials in Special Collections and University Archives (SC/UA); see "Warning Concerning Copyright Restrictions," which appears in the Rutgers University Libraries' Copyright Policy as well as on Special Collections and University Archives' Reproduction and Usage Request Form. In addition, reproductions of material from SC/UA may not be published in any without written permission for use.
Cameras, both traditional and digital, are permitted in the Reading Room, but flatbed and other personal scanning devices are not permitted. Cameras must be used in accordance with the Rutgers University Libraries’ Copyright and Reproduction Policy. Patrons taking photos must complete a Reproduction and Usage Request Form, available via QR code in the reading room or in paper from the Information Desk. It is the responsibility of each patron to keep complete and accurate citations for all items photographed. Requests for permission to reproduce materials and any subsequent orders for high-resolution scans cannot be processed without this information.
If you would like to order PDF or high-resolution scans or paper copies of SC/UA material, consult a staff member and complete a Reproduction and Usage Request Form.
A camera stand is available for supervised use.