Reading Room Guidelines

Queen’s University Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections are available to all researchers, whether they are affiliated with Queen's University, or not. Due to preservation concerns for materials, we limit what can be brought into the reading room. We want you to interact directly with original materials while keeping them well preserved for future generations. The materials are for use only in the W.D. Jordan Special Collections Reading Room, under the supervision of library staff and subject to the following conditions:

• Researchers must provide identification, upon request.
• Request slips must be completed for each item required. Our staff will then retrieve the requested material from the Library's closed, environmentally-controlled stacks.
• Special Collections users must place all backpacks, briefcases, coats, jackets, etc. in lockers (located onsite) for the duration of their stay. We are not responsible for the loss of personal materials.
• No food or beverages are permitted in the Reading Room.
• Special collections material must be handled with great care to prevent damage and deterioration of any kind. Please follow staff directions regarding the handling of specific materials.
• Please request assistance if you are having trouble using material: Books must not be removed from cradles or other supports; snake weights are provided to hold pages in place; pressure must not be placed on spines or folds to make items lie flat.
• Pencils and laptop computers may be used for taking notes; tracing or writing on library materials is forbidden. Pencils and acid free book marks are available. Consultation tables have power outlets and USB ports.
• White gloves must be worn when handling photographs or certain fabrics. Gloves should not be worn when handling books or paper.
• Photocopying is not permitted. Photographs for personal research purposes may be taken of library materials used in the Reading Room if care is taken to respect the integrity of material. Staff may limit or supervise photography of fragile materials or materials with known copyright restrictions. An iPad, along with a document camera stand are available for use in the Reading Room. Researchers are entirely responsible for obtaining copyright permissions to use photographs made by them or on their behalf. Please consult our Access & Reproduction guidelines for more on photographing materials.

Failure to comply with these procedures and staff direction will lead to the suspension or revocation of research privileges.