Access Restrictions

The Local History Department recognizes the rights of donors to impose reasonable restrictions on materials to protect privacy and confidentiality, although donors are strongly encouraged to grant copyrights to the Library, if they own the copyrights to their donated materials. Restrictions and conditions with regards to access and use will be determined at the time of donation and noted on the Deed of Gift. The Library can assume no responsibility for abuse of literary or copyright restrictions by users of research materials.

Once a collection is properly preserved, organized, and described, it will be made accessible for research to patrons upon approval of the Local History Librarian. Patrons will be supervised throughout the duration of their research by the Local History Librarian, who is trained in the correct handling of archival materials. Patrons will be provided with the “Access to Local History Collections” form and will be required to fill it out prior to their research.

Due to the abbreviated schedule of the Local History Librarian, appointments for research should be made five business days prior to the desired appointment time. The Library reserves the right to refuse service if this deadline is not met by the patron.