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Reading Room general rules
- Special Collections researchers must be at least 18 years old or be accompanied by an adult.
- Researchers must present the same identification to McFarlin Special Collections staff that they used to register their Aeon account.
- Identification can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or university ID, with your photo. We accept tribal IDs.
- Staff will hold aside your photo identification for the duration of your appointment. Your ID will be returned to you at the end of your appointment.
- Special Collections materials are non-circulating.
- Materials must be viewed during open Reading Room hours inside the Jack H. and Tybie Davis Satin Reading Room.
- The Reading Room is reserved for the active use and study of Special Collections materials only.
- Some materials require advance permission to view, such as unprocessed manuscript collections or original materials housed in the vault.
- Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis by the department director or librarians and is not guaranteed.
- If staff members have determined that an original item is too fragile for handling and viewing and have created an "access copy, " patrons will be directed to view a reproduction instead.
- Lockers with keys are available for storage.
- Items such as bags, purses, backpacks, laptop cases or sleeves, and umbrellas must be stored in the locker room.
- Overcoats are not permitted in the Reading Room. It can get very cold, so if you know you'll be uncomfortable, you are allowed to bring a sweater or jacket, with the understanding that we may ask you to flip out any pockets at the end of your appointment.
- With the Director's permission, researchers may bring one book not owned by Special Collections into the Reading Room, which is subject to a security inspection by staff before the book can be taken out of the Reading Room.
- Personal items that researchers bring into the Reading Room must be submitted for inspection by staff end of an appointment. Staff will ask you to open your laptop or flip through your notebook.
- Ink and ink pens are not allowed in the Reading Room.
- Staff can provide pencils and paper on request.
- Researchers may bring one notebook or one pad of paper (all without loose sheets or pockets) in addition to up to five sheets of loose paper.
- Computers, tablets, and phones (turned to silent mode) may be used.
- No food or drink is permitted in the Reading Room. This includes gum, mints, candy, cough drops or lozenges, and all drink containers regardless of whether they are sealed. Drink containers may be placed in a locker or on the lobby table next to the pencil sharpener.
- Cameras are permitted under the conditions listed in the Cameras and Photography tab to the left. Scanners are not permitted.
- Smoking, vaping, and cell phone conversations are prohibited.
