Church History Library Services and Rules

1. The reference staff is available to help guide you in your research efforts. Staff members do not do major research for you. They will provide you with answers to brief informational requests and help you establish a research strategy.
2. The reference staff may be contacted in person, by telephone, fax, or e-mail (see Location and Parking or Contact the Library for more Information). The library has photocopy machines and reader-printer machines available for patrons to use in making their own copies of materials from the main floor library and from microform. Copies of items in the Archives collections and the closed stacks collection must be requested. Requests are subject to approval and usually are filled within 2 weeks.
3. Photocopying and mailing charges are as follows:
   • Self-help copying from books on the MAIN FLOOR is $0.05 per page.
   • Self-help copying from microform is $0.25 per page.
   • Requests for photocopies may be made only in accordance with policy and are for the private use of the recipient.
   • Photocopies requested from the closed stacks collections or mailed requests are $0.25 per page plus a $3.00 processing fee.
4. The library and archives catalogs have been automated and are presently available in-house only. They are being prepared for access via the Internet in the future. Other indexes are also available in both hard copy and electronic format.
5. Copies of Patriarchal Blessings may be requested for mailing.
6. The Church History Library and Archives is open to the general public, but the materials are non-circulating and can only be used in the facility.
7. Materials are housed in two areas, an open stacks area and an environmentally controlled closed stacks area. Closed stacks material must be requested no later than 30 minutes before closing and returned 15 minutes before closing..
8. Photocopy machines are available for patrons to make their own photocopies of materials housed in the open stacks on the main floor. Requests for copies of materials from the closed stacks collection are usually filled within 2 weeks.
9. Materials in the collection are protected by copyright laws. Any publication, reproduction or other use of Library and Archival material that exceeds the bounds of Fair Use requires obtaining written permission from the Church Copyrights and Permissions Office as well as any other individual or institution that may have rights.

Rules for the Reading Room:

1. Pens may not be used. Pencils, personal computers, and typewriters are permitted. Tape recorders may be used for dictating. Carrying cases and other personal items must be left in lockers.
2. When microfilm copies of archival materials are available, researchers will be required to use the films rather than the original documents.
3. When requested, all notes, papers, copies, or personal belongings must be presented to a staff member for inspection.