Special Collections Library

The Special Collections Library provides a variety of amenities for researchers.  The reading room includes both power and data connections at each table, and the reading room is equipped for wireless Internet access for those with a Penn State Access Account or a Short Term Access Account (STAA), which provides access to Internet sites beyond Penn State and governmental sites, and which is also necessary to use the public scanning station in the Reference Room.  Users of audio-visual materials and microforms have a space adjacent to, but isolated from, the reading room where such materials can be used without disturbing other researchers.

Most Special Collections Materials may be copied--some by researchers themselves on self-service coin or card-operated copiers, others must be copied for researchers by staff, and some materials may be too fragile to copy or may be subject to restrictions.  Actual photographic copies can be ordered from a photo finisher.  Copies of audio-visual materials can be made by staff and there is a public scanner for copying photographs and other flat materials.  All copying of materials and potential uses of copies must be approved in advance by Special Collections staff.

Researchers may not remove materials from the Special Collections Library. but materials may be held for users making return research visits within a week's time.

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