Public Services in Special Collections · 25
“On-site registration is primarily for security purposes with patrons handling materials. We gather some data
on off-site patrons, but don’t require proof of identification, for example.”
“Our procedures require researcher registration before we provide service. Occasionally, we provide service
without registration to someone who is clearly not going to benefit from our holdings and services.”
“Patrons affiliated with either the university or [another local school] are not required to complete the library’s
registrations form. They do need to present their university ID. For patrons using manuscript collections, there is
a second registration form. As off-site patrons don’t handle the materials, they are not required to register.”
“Patrons are not required to register prior to receiving reference service. Before using mss collections, patrons
are required to fill out a mss use request form—this is for both on and off-site patrons. For those onsite, prior
to using any materials, they are asked to provide identification.”
“Registration if provision of identification and statement of research purpose and topic constitutes
registration, but not a signed agreement to conditions.”
“Registration is through an in-house database.”
“Registrations consist of holding suitable identification during use of materials.”
“University students, faculty and staff are not required to register. We create a special collections ‘borrower
record’ based on their university ID card. Thus my reply relates only to non-university users. I have taken ‘off-
site patrons’ to mean those who submit reference inquiries by mail, fax and email. These are answered without
a registration but if copies of original materials are sent, the researcher must fill out and return the application
form for use of original materials.”
“Using materials is interpreted to mean use of the originals, which must be done on site.”
“We collect information when patrons order duplication services. We found the registration form to be
cumbersome (lots of complaints), and have never had to defend our reading room policies on the basis of a
registration agreement.”
“We currently do not require off-site researchers to complete an official registration form. The need for one
has been identified and a new form and policy are currently being drafted. Ideally, we would like to use the
same form for both on-site and off-site research performed at each visit.”
“We do not have a specific registration form. On-site patrons sign in off-site patrons do not have any
paperwork to complete UNTIL they request material.”
“We do not require registration in the formal sense, but we require a photo ID for any in-house use of
materials and a valid library card for any borrowing (we do have circulating materials). No ID is required for
reference help. We do use a type of registration form for our archival and manuscript holdings—a ‘manuscript
request form’ that includes personal information as well as the topic and the items being requested (folders,
boxes, etc.)”
“We do not require registration of off-site patrons. However, in answering questions we will gather contact
info such as name, phone, and/or e-mail. Many off-site requests involve numerous back and forth instances of
communication.”
“We have some book collections that do not require registration.”
“On-site registration is primarily for security purposes with patrons handling materials. We gather some data
on off-site patrons, but don’t require proof of identification, for example.”
“Our procedures require researcher registration before we provide service. Occasionally, we provide service
without registration to someone who is clearly not going to benefit from our holdings and services.”
“Patrons affiliated with either the university or [another local school] are not required to complete the library’s
registrations form. They do need to present their university ID. For patrons using manuscript collections, there is
a second registration form. As off-site patrons don’t handle the materials, they are not required to register.”
“Patrons are not required to register prior to receiving reference service. Before using mss collections, patrons
are required to fill out a mss use request form—this is for both on and off-site patrons. For those onsite, prior
to using any materials, they are asked to provide identification.”
“Registration if provision of identification and statement of research purpose and topic constitutes
registration, but not a signed agreement to conditions.”
“Registration is through an in-house database.”
“Registrations consist of holding suitable identification during use of materials.”
“University students, faculty and staff are not required to register. We create a special collections ‘borrower
record’ based on their university ID card. Thus my reply relates only to non-university users. I have taken ‘off-
site patrons’ to mean those who submit reference inquiries by mail, fax and email. These are answered without
a registration but if copies of original materials are sent, the researcher must fill out and return the application
form for use of original materials.”
“Using materials is interpreted to mean use of the originals, which must be done on site.”
“We collect information when patrons order duplication services. We found the registration form to be
cumbersome (lots of complaints), and have never had to defend our reading room policies on the basis of a
registration agreement.”
“We currently do not require off-site researchers to complete an official registration form. The need for one
has been identified and a new form and policy are currently being drafted. Ideally, we would like to use the
same form for both on-site and off-site research performed at each visit.”
“We do not have a specific registration form. On-site patrons sign in off-site patrons do not have any
paperwork to complete UNTIL they request material.”
“We do not require registration in the formal sense, but we require a photo ID for any in-house use of
materials and a valid library card for any borrowing (we do have circulating materials). No ID is required for
reference help. We do use a type of registration form for our archival and manuscript holdings—a ‘manuscript
request form’ that includes personal information as well as the topic and the items being requested (folders,
boxes, etc.)”
“We do not require registration of off-site patrons. However, in answering questions we will gather contact
info such as name, phone, and/or e-mail. Many off-site requests involve numerous back and forth instances of
communication.”
“We have some book collections that do not require registration.”
