Use & Handling Procedures for Original Materials

We encourage the use of our research collections to all qualified persons. All materials in the Albion College Special Collections Unit are historically valuable and, more often than not, unique and cannot be found elsewhere. All materials held are maintained under security in closed, environmentally controlled stacks to aid in their preservation. We ask that everyone handling these materials acknowledge the following guidelines:

  • Materials do not circulate outside of Special Collections, except for College yearbooks and theses, which can be used anywhere in the library.
  • Handle materials carefully. A discussion on the proper handling of rare books can be found here.
  • Take notes in pencil only. Pencils will be provided if necessary.
  • Do not mark or deface items in any way.
  • Use gloves when handling photographic and brittle materials, or materials of great age.
  • Theft or mutilation of materials will result in prosecution. Failure to return materials in the condition in which they were lent will result in fines for repair, restoration, or replacement (if possible).
  • Maintain archival and manuscript materials in the order in which they are received. Always keep descriptions of the item with the materials. If you find material damaged or out of proper order, report the problem immediately to a staff member.
  • Deposit all bags, briefcases, coats, parcels, umbrellas, etc. in the locked cabinet in the Stockwell Room.
  • Food and drink are prohibited from the Stockwell Room, Processing, and Rare Books.
  • When you are finished, return all materials to a staff member, so that the items can be examined for any damage and/or missing parts. The borrower must be present while items are being examined, so please allow enough time when returning materials for this process to be completed.
  • Permission to publish all or part of materials housed in Special Collections must be requested in writing. Permission must also be obtained from the copyright holder(s).
  • Please cite materials as follows:

    For Manuscript Collections:

      [Collection Name], Special Collections Unit, Stockwell-Mudd Libraries, Albion College
       
    For Archival Materials:
      Records of [College or Administrative Unit], College Archives, Stockwell-Mudd Libraries, Albion College
 
  
Albion College ◦ Albion, Michigan ◦ 517/629-10000
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