Please carefully read the following rules and procedures. Once you are registered online using the Special Collections Research Account, you will have acknowledged and agreed to all the terms and conditions below. If you have any problems with or questions about this registration please contact us via email to special@library.ucsb.edu or visit our FAQ webpage.

Rules Governing the Use of Special Collections Materials

  • All researchers must register by creating a Special Collections Research Account before submitting any request online or in person.
  • All researchers' accounts must be verified by showing proper identification before viewing materials in the reading room.
  • When visiting the reading room, all personal belongings including backpacks, briefcases, handbags, laptop cases, etc. must be placed in the lockers provided in the lobby.
  • Only pencils may be used in the reading room.
  • All materials must be used in the reading room and may not be taken from the Department.
  • Patrons may use up to five cataloged items or one manuscript box at a time.
  • No food or beverages are allowed in the reading room or in our lobby.
  • The researcher is responsible for the careful handling of all materials.
    1. Please keep all material in order.
    2. Do not lean on, write on, fold, trace over or handle materials in a way that may damage them.
  • Photocopying is decided on an item-by-item basis and done by staff as time permits.
    1. Permission to photocopy does not constitute permission to publish. (Title 17 US Code)
    2. No more than 10% or 200 pages (whichever is less) of any printed item will be copied.
    3. Additional restrictions may apply to some materials, based upon copyright law, prior donor agreements, size, and format of materials.
  • In most cases, photography is allowed after permission by staff is granted.
    1. Permission to photograph does not constitute permission to publish. (Title 17 US Code)
    2. Photography must not disturb other users or staff.
    3. Photography is permitted to reduce photocopying and wear on materials.
    4. Any questions, please consult with staff or email special@library.ucsb.edu.
  • The Department of Special Research Collections reserves the right to refuse any copy order and to deny permission to photograph, if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law or donor agreements.

WARNING CONCERNING COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Title 17, United States Code

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.

Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research". If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use", that user may be liable for copyright infringement.