NEHGS - Manuscript Policies

Manuscript Policies at NEHGS

To assist the staff in maintaining the original order of the collections, researchers are requested to observe the following:

Use one box and one folder from a box at a time
Maintain the existing order of material within each folder and box
(If there appears to be a problem, please notify the archivist. Please do not try to correct the problem yourself.).

To safeguard the unique materials that constitute the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections Department, patrons are requested to observe the following rules:

While in the reading room, please store coats and personal belongings (i.e., briefcases, knapsacks, purses etc.) in the space provided.
No food or beverages are allowed on the floor and smoking is prohibited.
Researchers may be required to use microfilm or printed copies of manuscripts when available.
Researchers can only use one manuscript at a time.
Patrons using manuscripts are expected to take notes in pencil to avoid making permanent marks (stray or otherwise). Laptop computers can be used.
All material must be handled with care. Turn pages carefully. Materials should be kept flat on the reading table and nothing (including elbows) should ever be placed on them. Marks may neither be added nor erased. Please do not touch the surface of photographic prints.
Manuscripts may not be removed by the patron from the table.
Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for our policies on photocopying and reproducing materials.