Reading Room Policies

David and Fela Shapell Family Collections, Conservation and Research Center Reading Room

The Shapell Center Reading Room is open to the public for archival and rare book research by appointment Monday through Friday. See the Research in the Museum’s Library and Archival Collections page for more information. The Museum’s Fifth Floor Reading Room remains closed until further notice.

Museum staff are available to assist you with research questions. Ask a question.

Policies

Because of the special nature of materials in the collections, patrons are asked to observe the following policies and procedures:

Registration, Arrival, Conduct, and Departure

1. On-site reference services are available by appointment only.
2. All relevant guidelines from the Museum’s Visitor Guidelines and Safety Measures will apply.
3. All visitors must present photo identification in order to access the Shapell Center campus and building.
4. All visitors must pass through a security screening before entering the Shapell Center, upon exiting the Reading Room, and upon exiting the Shapell Center.
5. Personal electronic devices (e.g., laptops, digital cameras, mobile devices) may be used in the Reading Rooms. All devices should be silenced. Phone conversations are not permitted. Wi-Fi is available—check with Reading Room staff for login credentials. Staff may not be able to provide technical assistance with personal devices.
6. Food and drink may not be consumed or brought into the Reading Room. Lunch room facilities with refrigerator, microwave, and vending machines are provided at the Shapell Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drink for lunch, as vending machine offerings are limited.
7. Coats and bags are not permitted. Lockers are provided for use by patrons. Items may not be stored in lockers overnight.
8. Unattended personal belongings may not be left in the Reading Room.
9. Patrons are asked to observe posted policies on equipment use, including:
   • Priority for the use of computers will be given to patrons scanning from microfilm and microfiche.
   • To ensure equal access to all equipment, Reading Room staff may limit use of machines when others are waiting.
10. Reading Room staff or security officers may examine material that a patron wishes to remove from the Reading Room. Collections materials cannot be removed.

Accessing Materials

1. Museum collection material is accessible in the Shapell Center’s Reading Room. See the Collections Search catalog for information on where material is accessible and to request access when necessary. 
   • Note that some collections have restrictions that are described in the catalog record.
   • See Reading Room staff to access materials.

Handling and Copying Materials

1. Patrons are asked to visit the restroom and wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to dry them thoroughly, before handling library and archival materials.
2. Only pencils may be used for taking notes by hand when examining original or rare materials.
3. All materials must be handled with extreme care to ensure preservation for the future. When examining original materials, gloves must be worn for photographic materials and may be required for paper records at the discretion of Reading Room staff.
4. When using original materials, patrons will be issued one item at a time. If given paper records, the researcher should leave the box upright and remove only one folder at a time, making sure to replace the folder in the proper order before moving on to the next one.
5. Photocopying of archival and rare materials is not permitted. Patrons should ask Reading Room staff about the use of the scanning technology for reproduction. For most collections, the use of personal cameras is permitted; ask at the Reference Desk for assistance.
6. Duplications may only be produced of materials without restrictions and in accordance with Copyright Law. For additional information, see the Museum’s Rights and Reproductions page. 
7. Archival materials and non-circulating Library materials are to be returned to Reading Room staff before a patron leaves the Reading Room at the end of each research session.
8. Materials pulled from the Library reference collection should be returned to designated book carts for reshelving.
9. Collections may be held in the Reading Room for future use. Collections held but not accessed for more than 30 days will be returned to permanent storage.
10. When available, digital surrogates or microforms will be served over originals.
11. Museum staff and affiliates should consult the Library Circulation Policies on the staff intranet for guidance on borrowing privileges.

Exceptions to these policies may be approved in writing by the head of the Library (or designee), in consultation with the appropriate David M. Rubenstein National Institute for Holocaust Documentation director.

The Library staff appreciates the cooperation of patrons in observing these policies and in helping to ensure the integrity of the collections and equitable access for all patrons.

Updated June 8, 2022