Use of materials is freely granted to all responsible researchers, subject to the following procedures, to ensure that the materials are protected from deterioration, mutilation, or loss. Archives and Special Collections reserves the right to limit or prohibit access to any materials.

Using the Reading Room
• Sign in to the log book when you arrive; sign out any time you leave the building.
• Items brought in are normally limited to the following: note paper, pencils, laptops, cell phone (silenced), camera (flash off and silenced).
• All other items, including outerwear/coats, pens, laptop sleeves, purses, briefcases, and other bags are prohibited. Lockers are available.
• Use pencils to take notes; pens are not allowed.
• No food or drink of any kind is allowed.
• To avoid disturbing others, please take conversations and phone calls outside of the Reading Room.
• Depending on demand, time available for equipment use (e.g., microfilm reader) may be limited.


Making Copies and Appropriate Use of Copies
• Archives and Special Collections reserves the right to refuse to allow reproduction of materials at our discretion (commonly due to legal limitations or potential damage to the item.)
• Copying materials with a camera or phone is permitted in most cases but should be confirmed with staff.
• Handheld scanners are not allowed.
• Copies of collection materials are for your personal use, and are not to be shared or reproduced further.

Legal Terms of Use
As a condition of access to our collections, you agree to the following terms:

1. Private Information - We take active steps to remove or obscure private personally identifying information or other private data. Examples could include Social Security Numbers or credit card information, personal health records, or financial data. However, sometimes private information may be missed, or redaction may be impossible. If you encounter private or protected information, you agree that you will alert Archives and Special Collections (ASC) as to its presence, and that you will not reproduce or distribute it further.

2. Copyright - Access to materials or provision of copies for researchers does not convey any copyright permissions for further reuse or publication. Archives and Special Collections provides copies under provision of the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code), which states that copies are not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” You are solely responsible for obtaining any copyright or other legal permissions needed for sharing, reuse or publication. ASC can grant such permissions only for those materials for which it holds the intellectual property rights.

3. Publication - Commercial use of materials from the collection may require a separate contract for use and involve fees. Any such use should include citation(s) of the collection(s) used. Consult with staff regarding these issues. Should the Archives and Special Collections (ASC) prove to be a significant resource for a publication, we would appreciate receiving a copy.

The University of Minnesota no longer requires mask wearing in University buildings effective March 21, 2022.  However, we encourage the use of masks in the Reading Room, and can provide a mask for you.