Special Collections: Making An Appointment

Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow Special Collections Room 

The reading room is available for appointments:

Tuesdays - Fridays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 Please note holiday closings

Materials cannot be retrieved after 3 p.m.

Rare materials are viewed in the Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow Special Collections Room by appointment only. Click here for an online form where you can make your request. We need AT LEAST a business day’s notice when requesting an appointment, and we always confirm by email.

Research in Special Collections   

For general descriptions of the Special Collections at the Boston Athenæum, please see the individual webpages under the heading “Collections.” To search for particular items, please use our online catalog Athena, which is also available on every page of this website.

 

 

 What to expect when you arrive

  • You will be asked to check coats, umbrellas, briefcases, laptop cases, and large bags at the Security Desk. No loose clothing or coats are allowed in the Reading Room.
  • Guest researchers must show a picture ID
  • All researchers will be asked to fill out a brief application.
  • Laptops are welcome; otherwise, only pencil and loose leaf paper is allowed.
  • Please turn off all cell phones and dispose of food and drink before entering. The use of cameras, scanners, and recording devices will be decided on a case by case basis by the appropriate curator when requested prior to the appointment.

Photocopying and Photographic Services 

  • Photocopying can damage library materials and many items are simply too fragile to be photocopied. Generally, photocopying special collections materials is not permitted, though exceptions may be considered on a case by case basis by the appropriate curator.
  • Scanners, digital cameras and related equipment are also considered on a case by case basis and requires prior approval by the appropriate curator.
  • Click here for photographic services.

Permissions and Copyright 

  • Permission to consult the Special Collections does not include permission to publish or quote from material contained therein. Application for permission to publish or quote from the collections of the Boston Athenæum must be made in writing, with the understanding that the Boston Athenæum does not necessarily hold the copyright to the material. 
  • Permission to publish from unpublished works under copyright must be obtained in advance from the holder of the copyright. The researcher assumes full legal responsibility for observing copyright law and all laws respecting the literary property rights of the donors or creators (their heirs or assigns) of special collections materials. Laws against libel and invasion of privacy may also apply. Researchers assume full responsibility for any legal questions that may arise as a result of their use of materials in the collections. The Boston Athenæum will not be responsible for any infringement of copyright or the violation of any other law, rule or regulation by researchers. 

 Guidelines For Using Special Collections

Like other research libraries, the Boston Athenæum has guidelines governing the use and handling of rare books, manuscripts, archives, prints, photographs, and other special materials. By observing these rules, you can help us ensure the preservation of irreplaceable items for future use.

Please take some time and read these guidelines carefully before you arrive. You will be shown these guidelines again when you arrive and asked to sign them.

1. Hands must be clean and dry before handling materials. Gloves may be provided for handling some items. Please handle materials as little as possible.

2. Materials may not be handled in any manner likely to cause damage. Please do not lean on, write on, erase, fold, or trace materials. Nothing may be placed on top of items.

3. The use of any kind of pen is prohibited and only pencils may be used for taking notes.

4. Special Collections materials may be used in the Reading Room only and may not be removed from the area designated for their use. The supervisor must have an unobstructed view of your work area.

5. Books and albums should be opened carefully and book cradles used for support. Weights will be provided if necessary to hold bound materials open. Please ask for assistance when opening folded material bound into books. If pages are uncut, please ask for assistance.

6. Use acid-free bookmarks provided for marking your place in bound volumes.

7. Please maintain the existing order of materials from the box open on your table, and remove only one envelope or folder at a time.

8. Matted works should be handled and held only the edges. The front surfaces of the mats should never be touched. Please do not touch the surface of a print, photograph, or map.

9. No marks are to be added, and no erasures made, to any mat, folder, or envelope. Kindly report any incorrect cataloging information—or identifying information on a folder or mat—to the Reading Room supervisor.

10. Please remain in the Reading Room until the supervisor has checked in all returned materials.