Access to Materials

The Department of Special Collections is open to faculty, students and staff of the University of Notre Dame, visiting scholars, and the general public. Although no appointments are required, out-of-town patrons are advised to contact the department in advance of their visit to ensure that the materials they wish to consult are available. In addition, all patrons are advised to contact the Department a day in advance of requests for medieval and Renaissance manuscripts and pre-1501 printed books held in our vault.

Materials held by the Department of Special Collections are non-circulating and can be consulted only in the Reading Room (102 Hesburgh Library). All requested materials will be retrieved by Departmental staff. Most materials will be available within an hour of being requested, vault materials within three hours. No newly requested materials will be retrieved during the lunch hour. In order to make visits to Special Collections as positive and productive as possible, patrons are invited to phone ahead or send an e-mail in advance of visiting, so materials will be ready when you arrive. Patrons who wish to use the same materials again within two weeks may request that they be placed on hold.

Patrons are required to fill out a brief form (Registration for Use of Materials) and present a current Notre Dame or other valid photo ID.

• For security purposes, patrons are required to store briefcases, backpacks, book bags, purses and any other personal property not essential to their work in the lockers provided near the front desk.
• Patrons are also required to leave coats and other outerwear on the coat rack provided near the front desk.
• Laptop computers may be used in the Reading Room, but their cases must be stored. Personal photocopiers and scanners are not allowed.
• Tobacco, food and beverages are not permitted in the Reading Room.
• To prevent ink stains, we require that all note-taking be done in pencil.