Accessing the Special Collections
Who Can Use the Collections?
Northeastern University students, faculty, staff members, Northeastern and Mills College alumni, outside researchers, and members of the public are welcome to use the Special Collections. If you are a member of the Northeastern community, you will be asked to present your Husky card in order to access items for use in the Heller Rare Book Room. Others will be asked to register with a driver’s license or other photo identification card.
Circulation
Materials do not circulate and may not be removed by the patron from the Heller Rare Book Room for any reason.
Reading Room Rules
- Eating or drinking (including water) is prohibited in the Heller Rare Book Room.
- Make sure your hands are clean.
- Use pencil when taking notes (do not use ink). We are happy to loan you a pencil.
- When you are finished with the material, return it to the reception desk. Please do not leave it on a reading room table or elsewhere. Materials can be held for patrons by request.
How to Handle Materials
- When using a book, support the front board with your hand or another object flat on the table. Turn the pages with care. Do not slide the book on the table; pick it up with both hands. Do not handle fragile materials when you are rushed.
- We will provide gloves for handling photographs.
- Never put removable sticky notes on Special Collections material. The adhesive leaves a residue.
Duplication
- It is permissible to take photographs of the material for research/reference purposes.
- Scanning material is at the discretion of the Special Collections Librarian and will be done by Special Collections staff. Condition and amount of material are taken into account.
Copyright & Permissions
Physical ownership of a document or book does not necessarily mean that the library owns the copyright. Patrons are responsible for requesting permission from copyright holders when appropriate.