Special Collections Request System

First Time User Registration

The Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections and the Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives are open to the public, for serious scholars or casual researchers. We have made an effort to make the registration process as easy as possible, but due to the nature of our collections and the large volume of patrons we serve we must take extra steps to ensure the preservation of our collections and efficiency of our services.

To request an item, you must first identify yourself by creating a Special Collections Research Account. We require this for anyone using material from our collections. To do this you fill out a registration form using your web browser.

• Entering your personal information into the research account system means you will not have to supply the information again when making future requests.
• Having your e-mail and regular mail addresses on file with the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections and the Kheel Center enables us to notify you promptly and deliver materials accurately.
• By specifying a Username and Password of your choosing, you will have secure access to information about your requests. You will also be able to review the list of items you have requested in the past.

Using Your Cornell NetID to Access the System

You will not need a separate Username and Password to register. Your NetID will be the same one you use for other Cornell webpages and authentication will be through the familiar CUWebLogin page. You will still need to complete the registration form below.

Requirements for Use of Materials

Materials held by the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections and the Kheel Center are non-circulating. In order to protect and preserve the rare and fragile books and documents under our care, researchers must abide by the following procedures:

• Materials held by the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections and the Kheel Center are non-circulating.
• Materials from the collections are to be used only in our Reading Room.
• No materials from the collections will be issued to anyone who cannot present valid photo identification.
• Pencils only may be used in the Reading Room; pens may not be used.
• Laptop computers may be used in the Reading Room; electrical outlets are available.
• No tobacco, food, including gum, or beverages are allowed in the Reading Room or elsewhere in the Library.
• Bookbags, backpacks, purses, briefcases, coats, newspapers, umbrellas, etc. are not allowed in the Reading Room; coat rack and lockers are provided.
• All books, manuscripts, and other materials from the collections must be handled with special care.
• Printed books and bound manuscripts must be used on book supports, and gloves will sometimes be required.
• Manuscript items are used one box, or in some cases, one folder at a time.
• Researchers wishing to use the same materials again within one week may ask to have them placed on hold.
• Researchers can track previous requests using the research account, but should also take notes on any citations needed for future research.

Requirements for Reproductions

• All requests, including those from remote patrons for reproductions, require completion of the online registration process.
• Users of the collections are expected to abide by all Cornell University Library stated copyright regulations.
• Scanners are not allowed in the reading room, except under special, pre-approved circumstances.
• Patrons may bring digital cameras, with the flash and sound effects off, into the reading room and take images for research purposes, excluding any materials that may be restricted by donors or other rights holders.
• Reproduction services are offered for a fee. Materials may be copied at the discretion of the curators, when safe for the materials and legal.
• Price lists and request forms are available below:
  The Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
  The Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives

Additional Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Before registering, you may wish to review the Research Services Overview and Finding Materials sections of the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections' website. The page contains more information about RMC collections, how to use them, and RMC's FAQ page.

User information must be kept up-to-date. Any changes to the information entered here should be made in a timely manner to your user account.