Dalton Reading Room
Everyone is Welcome
We welcome researchers from across campus, the region, and the world.
Due to the unique and irreplaceable nature of the materials in our care, we ask that you abide by policies and procedures that will help ensure that these materials will be available to researchers for generations to come.
- Do not bring food or drink into the Dalton Reading Room
- Leave personal belongings such as backpacks, bags, and coats at the front of the room.
- You may have your phone, laptop, pencil, or paper (no pens) with you at the research table.
- Wash your hands before using materials.
- Present photo ID (University ID, driver's license, etc.) and fill out a registration form. Registration is required only once per year unless your research topic changes on a later visit.
- Materials must be used in the reading room. If you cannot access our reading room and require accommodations, please contact us for assistance
- Take notes using only a pencil and paper or a computer. The use of ink pens is not allowed. If you do not have a pencil, we can provide one.
- Remove only one folder for use at a time. Use the cards provided to mark the original location of the file within the box.
- Handle items with care. Do not trace, write on, or fold materials. Do not write on paper that has been placed on top of materials. Use all materials flat on the table or on a book cradle.
- Do not change the order of materials within a folder or box. If the order appears to have been disturbed, please notify the staff member on duty. Before replacing folders, please gently straighten the papers.
- Do not remove photographs, negatives, or slides from their protective sleeves. Nitrile gloves will be provided for handling photographs that have not been sleeved.
- Do not open books and lay them face down. Do not use items such as pencils as bookmarks. Books with sealed pages are to be separated only by staff.
- Reproduction via self-scanning or taking images by tablet or phone cameras is allowed. There is no charge for the use of department scanners in the reading room. Special Collections staff may forbid the use of cameras or scanners if you mishandle materials, cause disruption in the reading room, or if reproduction poses risks to the materials.
- We reserve the right to prevent duplication of materials if it will damage the materials or if we understand there is intent to violate copyright.
- Requests for materials will be accepted up to 30 minutes before closing. Materials checked out to researchers must be returned no later than 5 minutes before closing.