Welcome to the Special Collections of the University of Lethbridge Library. The items in the Special Collections are unique and irreplaceable. All items in the Special Collection are non-circulating and can only be used in the Dorothy Lampard Reading Room, unless otherwise authorized by the Special Collections librarian.
The Library has established these procedures to ensure that items in its collections are preserved for future scholars.
- You must identify the material you wish to view in advance. The material will be brought directly to you in the Reading Room.
- Access to some materials may be restricted. The Special Collections staff member will inform you of any conditions that may restrict access to materials being requested. For the protection of its holdings, the Library reserves the right to restrict the use of materials of exceptional value, and fragile materials.
- Items may only be used in the Special Collections Reading Room and may not leave this area.
- Items must not be left unattended. If you need to leave the Reading Room and are not finished with the items, please return them to the Special Collections staff member.
- When you have finished consulting the materials and at the end of the day, return all items to the Special Collections staff member.
- Digital cameras and camera phones (without flash) can be used with permission.
- The Copyright Act and Fair Dealing Guidelines must be observed. Consult the University of Lethbridge Copyright website (https://library.ulethbridge.ca/copyright/) or Special Collections librarian for more information.
Rules for Handling Materials
- No eating or drinking (including water, candy, and chewing gum) is permitted in the Special Collections Reading Room.
- Ensure your hands are clean; thoroughly wash and dry your hands before using materials; refrain from applying hand lotion or cream before handling materials.
- Remove any dangling jewelry, identification cards, or loose clothing, which may come in contact with the materials.
- Only pencils may be used. If you do not have a pencil, the Special Collections staff member can supply you with one.
- Never mark pages or write on paper laid on top of a book, manuscript, or archival records. Tracings are not permitted.
- Turn pages slowly, carefully, and deliberately; the turning of pages should not be audible.
- Take extra care when handling oversize or brittle materials, and in opening folded plates and maps.
- Use the strips provided on the tables to bookmark an item. Do not use “post-it” or other self-sticking notes or paper clips.
- Gloves (white cotton or nitrile) will be provided for patrons using photographs, film, drawings, and other sensitive material.
- Do not force books open so that they lie flat.
- Never lay an open book face down on the table, lean on a book, or place other books or objects on it.