Library Privileges Policy
Only those individuals with Library privileges may enter and use the non-public areas of the Library, including all 9 general stack areas. Any person with a valid Museum identification badge may request Library privileges by attending a library orientation and completing a Library Privledges form. The Library Privileges Form must be completely filled out, signed, and submitted to the Library's reference desk before any items can be checked out. Please stop by the Reference Desk during service hours (Monday-Friday, 12-2PM) to pick up a form.
- Full Library Privileges apply to full-time staff, postdoctoral fellows, curators emeriti, adjunct curators, and research associates. Users will have access to all stack areas, the ability to borrow materials and request interlibrary loans.
- Partial Library Privileges apply to graduate students, professional visitors, volunteers, interns, temporary or contract staff. Users will have access to all stack areas. Those with partial privileges cannot borrow books unless an FMNH staff member with Full Privileges sponsors them. Note: It is the responsibility of the Department/Division to ensure that these individuals register with the Library and comply with its policies. If these individuals fail to return library materials, then the Department/Division is responsible for their replacement.
Circulation Policies & Procedures
All new library users should schedule an orientation of the Library . All materials must be charged out at the before being removed from the stacks. The efficiency of the Library depends on accurate and consistent self-checkout. For unbound serials, please consider making a pdf of the relevant article; the library has an easy to use scanner available adjacent to the reading room for this purpose. At their discretion, Reference Staff may limit the use and/or circulation of especially fragile materials. Please do not reshelve any materials. All Library materials must be used in the Museum only. No materials may leave the building.
Loan periods are indefinite unless needed by another user. We encourage Library users to return library materials that they are not ACTIVELY using. Charged library materials must be stored in a safe, “dedicated” work area where the items can be accessed and recalled by Library staff (at any time) for use by another patron. Please do not interfile library materials with personal references. Lost library materials should be promptly reported to the Library staff. Loss of library materials, or failure to return recalled Library materials, will result in an invoice to the borrower (or the borrower’s sponsor or supervisor) in the amount of the full replacement cost of the item. Unpaid invoices will result in Library privileges being revoked. Departing Museum staff and associates must return all library materials before their final day at the Museum. Wages will be garnished for the replacement costs of all missing library items.
Circulation Inventory
In order to maintain proper control of the Library’s collections, it is necessary for Library staff to occasionally conduct an inventory of materials located in staff offices. Library staff will make every effort to make this process as non-intrusive as possible to the borrowers. Library circulation staff will give ample notice when scheduling inventories.