The resources of this library are available on an equal basis to all researchers who abide by library policies. Much of the material is rare or fragile, and it is essential that particular care be taken in handling each item.

We request your assistance in preserving these collections for future generations.

1. Please check your briefcase, notebooks, camera, cellular telephone, and all personal articles with a staff member on duty. Cell phones must be turned off. Food or drinks are not allowed in the library, and smoking is not permitted. The library staff reserves the right to inspect all papers and articles taken from the library.
   
   
2. Government or school-issued photo identification is required for use of the library's collections. Please complete the registration form provided by library staff. Your signature on the form indicates your willingness to follow the rules stated in this guide. Registration is valid for one year.
   
   
3. Pencils and paper are provided for your use. Ink of any kind is prohibited. Please make arrangements with a staff member to use a laptop computer or tape recorder.
   
   
4. Materials in the library are shelved in closed stacks. Please consult the library catalog and other finding aids to locate material you wish to use. Staff members are available to assist you. Provide the complete call number information on the call slips provided and a staff member will retrieve the material for you.
   
   
5. For the protection of the collections, the library reserves the right to restrict access to material that is not arranged, is being processed, or is unusually rare or fragile. In some cases, copies may be substituted for originals. The use of some materials may be restricted by donors or office of origin.
   
   
6. In consideration of other researchers and staff, please do not browse in the reading room or enter other areas of the library unless accompanied by staff.
   
   
7. Researchers must sign for all items requested from collections housed in the library vault. Vault materials are examined by staff members for condition and order before and after use.
   
   
8. As a general rule, researchers may use no more than two rare books or a single document container at one time. Archival material may not be used simultaneously with other library material.
   
   
9. Library material must be used in the reading room and left on the tables after use.
   
   
10. All library material must be handled with care:
    --Do not write on, trace, or crease library material or handle it in any way likely to damage it.
    --Please use gloves provided when handling unprotected photographs or other materials upon the advice of staff.
    --Use only the weights provided by library staff and as instructed by staff to aid in flattening library material.
    
    
11. Photocopying of library material is permitted if duplication can be made without injury to the original and if not in conflict with donor agreements or copyright restrictions. As a general policy, the library does not copy entire publications or collections for patrons. Please use the paper markers available to designate items or pages to be copied and give your request to a staff member. Filling requests for extensive copying depends upon available staff time.
    
    
12. Please be advised that the library does not hold the copyright to most of the material in its collection. It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure those rights when needed. Permission to reproduce does not constitute permission to publish. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright, literary property rights, and libel.
    
    
13. Researchers may not photograph or scan library material but may make arrangements to purchase photographic copies of images in the library collections. Policies, procedures, and fee schedules are available upon request.
    
    
14. The form of citation for library material used in publications, displays, or presentations should specify the collection name or identification of material, the item number, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library. Citations for images are provided with image orders.
    
    
15. Researchers should provide the library with a complimentary copy of any publication in which library material is reproduced.