Doing Research at the SCRC

Welcome to Temple University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center

The SCRC is the principal repository for and steward of the Libraries’ rare books, manuscripts, archives, and University records. We collect, preserve, and make accessible primary resources and rare or unique materials, to stimulate, enrich, and support research, teaching, learning, and administration at Temple University. SCRC makes these resources available to a broad constituency as part of the University's engagement with the larger community of scholars and independent researchers.

We ask that you familiarize yourself with the guidelines for requesting and using materials in the Reading Room and for requesting reference assistance if you cannot visit. The staff is pleased to assist you and answer any questions you might have.

Reference Questions

Our archivists and curators are happy to provide reference assistance to all users. The staff will provide reference assistance by mail, telephone, email, and fax, but please understand that due to staffing constraints, we are not able to provide in–depth research services. Questions are addressed in the order in which they are received, and response time will vary. Only simpler reference queries will be addressed via correspondence and telephone.

In all reference requests, please include your name and complete contact information, as well as your specific question.    You may e-mail, call (215-204-8257), or write us (SCRC, Paley Library (017-00), 1210 Polett Walk, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122).

Registration and Security

If you visit, we ask that you register annually in order to request material. (The registration year runs from July 1 to June 30.) Registration is NOT required by patrons wishing to view exhibits or consult our reference collection.

We require patrons to follow the rules and regulations outlined here and on the registration form.

Please note that we reserve the right to inspect library materials and personal items prior to entry and upon departure from the Reading Room and that the room is monitored by security cameras at all times.

How to Request Materials

Researchers may request material by completing and signing (in pencil) a request form. All materials requested (except microforms) may be used only in the Reading Room.  Our materials do not circulate.

Reading Room Rules

Any collection of unique material requires special handling. The following policies and procedures are designed to provide you with the greatest possible access to the materials at the SCRC while protecting and preserving those materials for future use.

The Reading Room is normally open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Protection and Care

1. Collections are maintained in closed stacks; please complete a request form to request materials.
2. Use only one box of records or three printed items at a time.
3. Use only pencil and paper or laptop computer for taking notes.  Outlets for laptop computers are available at the tables by the windows.
4. Handle the materials with care:
   • Handle loose sheets or bound pages by their edges; avoid touching the surface as much as possible.
   • Support the spines of rare or fragile books (using foam supports provided by staff).
   • The staff may furnish gloves for handling photographs and other especially vulnerable items.
   • Do not take notes on top of archival materials or holding them in ways that will tear, fold, or otherwise damage them.
5. Maintain the existing sequence of records; if materials within the folder appear to be out of order, please alert a staff member rather than rearranging the folder contents.

Preservation and Copies

1. Please speak with a reference archivist for information about digital scanning and photocopying. Copy requests may be rejected on the basis of preservation concerns or U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U. S. Code).

2.  Ask SCRC staff for information about using personal cameras.

3.  Copies of material supplied by the SCRC are for personal use and may not be copied, reproduced, or published without notifying the SCRC and receiving permission.  All responsibility for infringement of rights is assumed by the researcher.

4.  For some collections, we require use of microfilm or digital copies in place of originals when film or digital copies are available and the originals are at risk.

Administrative Matters

1. Silence all cell phones and pagers in the reading room.

2. Food, beverages, and tobacco are not allowed in the reading room.

3. All briefcases, laptop cases, book bags, handbags, books, newspapers, coats, and other personal belongings must be left in the lockers.

4. Personal materials used in the reading room may be searched when you leave.

5. The reading room is monitored by security cameras at all times.

We appreciate your help in ensuring the long-term preservation of these unique materials.

Returning and Reshelving Material

Before leaving the Reading Room, please return all material to the reference staff. You may ask to have material placed “on hold” for up to two weeks from the last time used.

Rights and Reproductions

For information about reproduction, rights, permissions, and fees, please ask a member of the reference staff.

SCRC 2012