Using the Galvin Rare Book Room, Archives & Artists' Books

We welcome students, staff, faculty, and community researchers to explore and use the collection!  Please note that materials in the Rare Book Room are not able to be checked out and must be used within the reading room.  Researchers will be required to read and sign a request and use form. Digital images may be taken subject to copyright, and scanning of materials may be requested. 

The Rare Book and Artists' Books Collections are searchable through the library catalog, where you can use the location filter to limit the search specifically to rare book room materials. If you have a UR ID, you can request materials through the library catalog request feature; otherwise, you can come in during open hours or schedule an appointment by emailing archives@richmond.edu 

For archival materials, information about collections including finding aids are searchable through our online portal.

To help library staff serve users better and to protect and preserve our special materials, we ask that you follow the instructions shown below.  These procedures are designed to preserve our rare books and special collections for future generations at the University of Richmond.

Handling and use procedures:

• Your hands must be clean and dry.  Please wash and dry your hands in the sink area outside the office before using rare  books.  Special gloves are also available.
• No food, drink, tobacco products, chewing gum, or hand lotion are allowed near the special books.
• Only pencils may be used for note taking.  Please keep the area clear of pens of any sort.
• Laptop computers may also be used for note taking.
• Do not lean on the books or rest anything (other books, note pads, etc.) on the rare books. If the rare book is tightly bound, do not force the book open.  If you need a prop for the book or cannot manage to keep it open for note taking, please ask for assistance.
• Tracing from rare books is prohibited.  Should you desire a photocopy, you must ask the library staff and arrangements will be made to have copies made for you providing that the book or manuscript is not too fragile and/or copyright and other conventions are not prohibited.  Digital cameras may be used if approved by library staff.
• Turn pages carefully, and do not rest an open book face down.
• If you encounter uncut pages in the books, contact the library staff for assistance and do not cut them yourself.
• Notify the library staff immediately if you discover damaged books or materials.
• When finished using the materials, please return the materials to the staff in the Rare Books Room. 

Thank you for your cooperation.  Please contact a staff member if you have any questions.