Stephen A. Schwarzman Building > Collections & Reading Rooms > Manuscripts and Archives Division

Access to the Division

Access

Researchers wishing to use the Manuscripts and Archives Division are required to obtain an ACCESS card and then proceed to room 328 for a consultation with a reference archivist.

After the consultation, Division staff will determine which materials will be made available for use.

All readers should contact the Division in advance to insure that the material they wish to consult can be made available to them.

Readers wishing to consult the Division’s Renaissance and Medieval Manuscripts are required to request and receive permission in writing before their research visits. Readers wishing to consult the New York Public Library Archives should also contact the Division before their research visits.

Reading Room Rules & Regulations

Readers are required to store all belongings not needed for research in the Library's coat check room on the first floor. Determination of what can be brought into the reading room is made by Division staff.

Pencils only may be used in the reading room.

The use of cameras is not permitted. Smoking, eating, drinking, and mobile phone use are prohibited.

Handle materials with care. Place unbound items flat on the table; do not remove items from folders. Remove folders from boxes one at a time. Book supports are available for bound material. Do not place anything on materials. Tracing or rubbing is not permitted.

Readers are required to check with Division staff before leaving the room.

Requesting Material


Retrieval Schedule
Submit Request by Receive Material
12 noon 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Closing Next morning

Collection material is paged before opening and then three times during the day.

To avoid delays, readers may request material before their visits by phone (during public service hours) and email (at least 48 hours in advance).

Requests are limited to five items per retrieval run and to a total of 10 pending items.

Readers may place a limited amount of material on hold for specified return visits within two weeks.

Duplication of materials

The Division and Library offer a range of duplication services, including photocopying, digital photography, and microfilming. For more information, please see the Division’s duplication on the reverse of this sheet.



October 2007