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Materials held in Special Collections and Archives are often rare, unique, or fragile. For this reason, they are not available for checkout but may be used in the archives room, L014 on Lower Level 2 of the Reed College Library (down staircase D or lobby elevator).

Handling Materials

Help us ensure materials are preserved now and for centuries to come by following some rules on materials use and care:

Patrons may use paper, pencils, camera phones, and/or laptop computers. No pens please.
Patrons must accept the responsibility of carefully handling all materials. Manuscripts and books may not be leaned on, written on, folded, traced over, or handled in any way that may damage them.
In most cases, patrons may handle collection materials with clean, bare hands. Photographic materials should be handled at the edges only. Manuscripts and archival materials are to be maintained in the order in which they are received by the patron. If any material is discovered to be out of order, please notify the staff member on duty. Do not rearrange papers.

No food, drink, or pets are allowed in Special Collections and Archives. Service animals are welcome.