Patrons who visit in person need to be aware that the Public Archives and Research Library is a research library with policies that are much stricter than those at most public libraries. The collections are highly specialized and unique, and staff has an obligation to preserve historical materials for future users, as well as serve current users. Patrons are required to follow these basic rules when working in the research room:

· All personal belongings such as coats, cellular phones, briefcases, packages, and purses must be placed in a locker.

· No smoking, food, drink, or animals (with the exception of service animals) are allowed.

· Only pencils and laptop computers are allowed for taking notes.

· Patrons may be asked to wear (and will be provided with) cotton gloves while handling certain archival and manuscript materials.

· Certain materials may be too fragile to photocopy or may be restricted by copyright.

· Children must be quiet and under adult supervision at all times.

· The use of personal cameras, scanners, and other forms of reproduction is not permitted.