Registration policies

All researchers must fill out a registration form and present photo identification before using material in the Library Company’s collections. Coat racks and lockers are located in the lobby for storage of personal belongings, because no coats or bags are permitted in the reading rooms. The Library will provide readers with necessary research tools, including pencils, scrap paper, magnifying glasses, and book supports; the use of pen is prohibited. Researchers must follow all policies and procedures regarding the handling of rare materials.

Paging

The Library Company is a non-circulating, closed stack library which houses over a million rare books, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, photographs, periodicals, and newspapers. In the Scheide Reading Room, researchers request printed material by filling out call slips. Please contact the Print Department directly for an appointment to work with graphic material in their care. Information on the Library Company’s holdings and access to online catalogs can be found here.

Computer Services

Wireless internet service is available to registered researchers in the reading rooms. Researchers are permitted to use their own laptop computers. Computer terminals are also stationed in the reading rooms, where researchers can access the online catalogs and electronic databases.

Photography
Researchers may use digital cameras (without a flash) at the discretion of the staff. Professional photo-reproduction services are available through Rights and Reproductions. The Library does not permit the use of portable imaging devices, such as scanners or the use of tripods.