Using and Handling Special Collections Materials

Special Collections is open to researchers using materials subject to the terms outlined below. The Special Collections reading rooms are not available for independent study, group study, or meetings. 

One of our major goals is to acquire, preserve, and make available to researchers historical materials of enduring value reflecting the history of Texas, Mexico, the U.S. - Mexico War, The University of Texas at Arlington, and the cartography of the Greater Southwest. Many items housed in Special Collections are rare and irreplaceable. Your observance of the following provisions will help to ensure the availability of the materials in Special Collections for future research. We thank you for your cooperation and appreciate your taking the time to read and observe these conditions.

Appointments are encouraged for those who will require prolonged assistance or who intend to consult large quantities of materials. Advance notice is required to use materials housed in remote storage. 

1. All researchers must present photo identification and be registered at the service desk. 

2. Personal property not essential to research must be deposited in the lockers provided. Laptop computers are allowed; use of scanning equipment is not allowed. 

3. Single sheets of paper will be supplied for taking notes. Notebooks may not be used to take notes during consultation of manuscript and archival collections (this includes photograph collections). 

4. Cellular telephones must be set to vibrate mode. Calls must be taken outside the reading rooms. 

5. Food, drink, tobacco, gum, and candy may not be consumed in the Special Collections research areas. 

6. Materials housed in Special Collections are non-circulating and must be used inside the Special Collections area as directed by staff. Microforms may be used in the basement of the Library, when necessary.

7. The number of items issued to a researcher will not exceed one box or three bound or printed items. Identification strips must remain with the materials. 

8. Researchers are held responsible for all materials issued to them. 

   • Do not transfer materials to another researcher. 
   • Return materials to the service desk when leaving for the day, for lunch, or for more than a few minutes. 

8. Please handle materials with care. Researchers who are careless in handling materials may be denied access. 
   
    
   • Maintain the order and arrangement of manuscript materials. Open one folder at a time. Do not remove materials from folders. Report irregularities in arrangement to a staff member. 
   • Notes are to be taken in pencil only. 
   • Research materials must remain on tables during use, and may not be held in laps or allowed to extend beyond table edges. 
   • No objects may be placed on research materials. 
   • Handle materials carefully with clean hands, touching only the margins if possible. White cotton gloves (available at the service desk) must be worn while examining photographic materials. 
   • Fragile, heavy, and/or oversized books are to be supported by book cradles. 
   • Marks are not to be added to or erased from materials. 
   • Tracings and rubbings may not be made. 
   • Uncut book leaves will be cut by a staff member; ask for help at the service desk. 
     
      

9. Requests for photocopies will be filled as time allows and according to Special Collections' photocopy policy. 

10. Photography of Special Collections materials is permitted only under the supervision of a staff member. Appointments must be made in advance. Consult the Schedule of Fees for applicable charges. 

12. Upon leaving Special Collections, researchers may be asked to present personal belongings for inspection.