This reading room policy ensures the security and preservation of materials held at Special Collections & University Archives.

Covid-19 Guidelines

• To learn more about UCR's campus-wide response to the Covid-19 pandemic, please visit the Environmental Health & Safety coronavirus page.

General Guidelines

• Collections do not circulate and must be used in the reading room.
• No food, drinks, or gum.
• A valid photo ID is required.
• Personal items (bags, purses, briefcases, hats, jackets, etc.) must be stored in a locker.
• Pencils only in the reading room. No pens, highlighters, white out, or post-it notes.
• Personal notebooks and non-Special Collections & University Archives books may be consulted, but will be inspected before and after using collections.
• Devices such as laptops, tablets, cameras, and cell phones (silenced) are allowed.
• Research photos may be taken without a flash. No personal scanners, tripods, or lights. No standing on stools or ladders.
• Special Collections & University Archives collections are only to be used on designated tables (not on the computer tables). Use of tables and computers are for Special Collections & University Archives researchers only.
• While we encourage researchers to always ask for help and to work collaboratively, volume should be kept to a respectful level. Phone calls should be taken outside of the glass doors.

Requesting Materials

• All researchers need to register in the Special Collections Request System. While walk-ins are welcome, researchers are advised to request materials ahead of time to avoid delays.
• Materials will not be paged during the last 15 minutes of the day.
• Use of cataloged materials (books, periodicals, etc.) is limited to 2 items at a time.
• Use of manuscript and archival materials is limited to 1 box at a time.

Care and Handling

• Collections must always be within the line of sight of the staff member at the information desk.
• Keep documents flat and completely on the table - not hanging off the edge.
• Please watch long necklaces, headphone cords, clothing (such as ties or scarves), and long hair.
• Do not place anything under or on top of collection items.
• Do not write on anything on top of collection items. Never add or erase marks in any collections.
• Point with your finger, not with your pencil.
• Nitrile gloves must be worn to touch photographic prints and film.
  Do not wear gloves when handling paper materials.
• Use a book cradle for all bound volumes.
  Book weights can help hold down pages.
• Please maintain the original order of all unbound material. Place markers are provided for this purpose. If items appear to be missing or out of order, do not rearrange; please notify staff instead.