Reading Room Privileges & Rules
Special Collections exists to preserve the heritage of the past and acquire important records of contemporary culture while making these materials available for use. The following rules are not devised to impede the use of materials, but rather to guarantee their preservation and orderly administration. We ask our readers to share our concern to conserve these resources by observing our regulations governing their use.
Access
Special Collections materials may be used by Michigan State University faculty, staff, and students, and by other qualified persons. Appropriate identification (MSU I. D. or driver’s license) may be requested.
Special Collections stack areas are closed to the public. A request form must be presented to the staff person on duty who will retrieve the materials for use.
Material may be used in the reading room only and should be returned to the reading room desk when finished.
General Guidelines
- Only materials needed for note-taking may be taken to the reading tables. Coats, briefcases, backpacks, and other paraphernalia are to be left in space provided.
- Only pencil or laptop computers may be used at the reading tables for note-taking.
- Cell phone use is not permitted in the reading room.
- Food and beverages are not permitted in the reading room.
Handling of Materials
Materials are to be handled carefully:
- Notebooks should not be placed on top of materials.
- Care should be taken not to lean on the materials.
- Tracing or notes of any kind are not to be made by placing paper on top of materials.
- Pages should be turned gently.
