Library Special Collections – Harrison Baird Reading Room Policies

All researchers must register each day upon entering the Harrison-Baird Reading Room. Please provide all information requested, including photo identification.

Researchers may bring paper, pencils, research notes and personal computers into the Reading Room. All personal belongings such as books, briefcases, coats, and backpacks must be stored in the lockers provided. Scanners and cameras are not allowed in the reading room.

The research library is a smoke-free, food and beverage-free environment.

Kentucky Library & Museum is a closed stack facility. No materials may be checked out. Access to the collections is gained through a variety of computerized and hard copy finding aids. Research materials are obtained by requesting items at the reference desk. Staff will assist researchers in using the online catalogs, finding aids and making requests. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

Researchers must use pencil only and handle all materials carefully. Documents must remain flat on the table while being examined. Do not lean on items or place paper or note pads on top of documents while taking notes. Do not make marks or erasures on research materials. Post-it notes are not allowed to mark materials for any reason. Researchers must wear gloves when handling photographs and artifacts. Gloves are provided by staff.

A researcher may have only one box of material at a time, and should look at only one folder of material at a time. The documents in the collection have been arranged in an order that must be maintained. If materials seem out of order, please notify the staff.

Photocopies of Folklife Archives, Manuscripts and University Archives must be made by a staff member at a cost of $.10 to .20 per page. Staff limitations do not permit the copying of large quantities of material, however, and collection policy prohibits the copying of restricted materials, entire collections, complete oral histories, or fragile materials. Please consult with staff regarding procedures for identifying items to be photocopied. Because of limited resources, it may be necessary to mail photocopies at a later date.

Patrons may get microfilm and books in the reading room for themselves. Please ask staff to assist you in looking up microfilm reel numbers. Use one reel of microfilm at a time. Do not refile the reels; place them on top of the microfilm cabinets. Please pay for photocopies at the reference desk when you leave the library. Cost is $.25 per page.

In citing these materials, please include the full name of the collection, Kentucky Library & Museum, WKU. Examples of citations are available at the reference desk.

Patrons are responsible for obtaining permission to publish, in part or whole, from any collection. Kentucky Library & Museum are not responsible for any copyright infringement.

Researchers who fail to abide by these policies may be denied access to the collections. Theft and mutilation of documents are crimes that will be prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Policies subject to change without notice, revised 2009.