ACCESS TO THE COLLECTIONS AND THE VERSHBOW SPECIAL COLLECTIONS READING ROOM

The Vershbow Special Collections Reading Room (Manuscripts and Rare Books) is open to all researchers who are engaged in scholarly research. Please read this page carefully prior to making an appointment.

Planning a Visit:
— ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED for both members and non-members.
—You may call the Reference Department (617.227.0270 ext. 291, 252 or 250) or make an appointment using our online form.
— Please fill in all the information.
— A staff member of the Reference Department will confirm your appointment if you using the online form.
—Since we are only able to accommodate a certain number of researchers at one time, you are strongly advised to make an appointment as far in advance as possible (at least twenty-four hours).
—If you must cancel your appointment, please call the Reference Department at the above number.
—We must know the name of every researcher in your party. Identification badges are prepared in advance. We are unable to accomodate guests of registered researchers.

— Prior to contacting the Reference Department for an appointment, check our online catalog, ATHENA, for the call number, title, date and volumes of the item or items you are looking for.
— Please be specific and request materials by individual titles.
— Contact the Reference Department if you need assistance using Athena or have questions regarding individual titles.

— HOURS OF THE VERSHBOW SPECIAL COLLECTIONS READING ROOM
The Reading Room is open 10am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. Materials cannot be retrieved after 3:00 p.m. Special Collections materials cannot be retrieved on Saturdays or Monday nights.

— Guide to Accommodations for Researchers

Upon Arrival:
—Please check coats, briefcases, backpacks, laptop cases, and large bags at the Security Desk. No loose clothing or coats are allowed in the Reading Room.

—The use of laptops are welcome.

—Fill out our application completely and show a picture i.d. or your Boston Athenæum membership card to the attendant at the Front Desk. You will then be sent to the Special Collections Reading Room.

— Please turn off all cell phones and dispose of food and drink. The use of cameras, scanners and recording devices will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate curator. A request must be made prior to the research appointment.

Guidelines for the Use of Special Collections:
—Like other research libraries, the Boston Athenaeum has guidelines governing the use and handling of rare books, manuscripts, archives, prints, photographs, and other special materials. By observing these rules, you can help us ensure the preservation of irreplaceable items for their use in the future.

Please take some time and read these guidelines carefully before you arrive. You are responsible for safeguarding the special collections materials made available to you. The Reading Room Supervisor may also show you how to handle these materials properly and you will be asked to read these guidelines again and sign them when you arrive.

—— Hands must be clean and dry before handling materials. Gloves may be provided for handling some items. Please handle materials as little as possible.

—— Materials may not be handled in any manner likely to cause damage. Please do not lean on, write on, erase, fold or trace materials. Nothing may be placed on top of items.

—— The use of any kind of pen is prohibited and only pencils may be used for taking notes.

—— Special collections materials may be used in the Reading Room only and may not be removed from the area designated for their use. The Supervisor must have an unobstructed view of your work area.
Surveillance cameras are in operation.

—— Books and albums should be opened carefully and book cradles used for support. Weights will be provided if necessary to hold bound materials open. Please ask for assistance when opening folded material. If pages are uncut, ask for assistance.

—— Use the acid-free bookmarks provided for marking your place in bound volumes.

—— Please maintain the existing order of materials handed to you by the supervisor. Manuscript materials are viewed one item at a time.

—— Matted works should be handled and held only by the edges. The front surfaces of the mats should never be touched. Please do not touch the surface of a print, photograph, or map.

—— No marks are to be added, and erasures made, to any mat, folder or envelope. Kindly report any incorrect cataloging information- or identifying information on a folder or mat- to the Reading Room Supervisor.

—— Please remain in the Reading Room until the supervisor has checked in all returned materials.

Photocopying and Photographic Services:
—Photocopying can damage library materials and many items are simply too fragile to be photocopied. Generally, photocopying special collections materials is not permitted, though exceptions may be considered on a case by case basis by the appropriate curator.
—Scanners, digital cameras and related equipment is also considered on a case by case basis and requires prior approval by appropriate curators. Photographic services are available. Please consult with a librarian.

Permissions and Copyright:
— Permission to consult the Special Collections does not include permission to publish or quote from material contained therein. Application for permission to publish or quote from the collections of the Boston Athenaeum must be made in writing, with the understanding that the Boston Athenaeum does not necessarily hold the copyright to material.

Permission to publish from unpublished works or works under copyright must be obtained in advance from the holder of the copyright. The researcher assumes full legal responsibility for observing the copyright law and all laws respecting the literary property rights of the donors or creators (their heirs or assigns) of special collections materials. Laws against libel and invasion of privacy may also apply. Researchers assume full responsibility for any legal questions that may arise as a result of their use of materials in the collections. The Boston Athenaeum will not be responsible for any infringement of copyright or the violation of any other law, rule or regulation by researchers.

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