Special Collections Policies and Procedures
Special Collections staff members are eager to make your visit as productive as possible. The following services are available to users:
Reference inquiries are accepted in person, via email, and over the telephone (518) 580-5509. We always recommend that you come to Special Collections in person but realize not everyone is able to do this. Staff will gladly research your telephone or e-mail inquiry to the fullest extent that time permits. However, a shortage in staffing limits the time that may be spent on individual requests. Staff members will search up to one hour per request per patron per calendar year. Users needing more research time will often be directed to conduct their research in person.
Photographic services (photocopies, scanned prints, and photographic prints) are available on a selective basis. Items may be reproduced if their physical condition will not be jeopardized and if copyright restrictions are respected.
Faculty members are welcome to hold class sessions in the Pohndorff Room, using Special Collections materials, as long as Special Collections staff is notified at least two weeks in advance. Staff members are available to speak to class groups about the materials located in Special Collections and about the proper handling of such materials.
Policies
Because of the rare and delicate nature of Special Collections materials, the following guidelines have been established for their use:
- Coats, bags, and other belongings must be left in the entryway closet. Users are only permitted to bring paper, notebooks and pencils into the Reading Room.
- Users must sign in at the front desk.
- Pens, markers and highlighters are not permitted in the Reading Room. Pencils must be used for any note taking.
- No food or beverages are permitted in the Reading Room during regular hours.
- Special Collections staff may require users to wear white cotton gloves while handling some materials.
- Acid-free page markers will be provided by Special Collections staff as needed. The use of “post-it” pads or other adhesives are strictly prohibited.
- Please handle Special Collections materials with care. Many items in the collection are of special significance to the Skidmore community and cannot be replaced.