Research Services

Fine Arts

General Reference

Government Documents

Kirstein Business Branch

Microtext

Music

Newspaper

Prints and
Photographs

Rare Books
and Manuscripts

Social Sciences

Special Collections

Special Collections List

Special Collections
by Subject

Guidelines for Use

Other Services

Booklists for Adults

Booklists for Kids

Booklists for Teens

Interlibrary Loan

Kids' Page

Literacy Services

Publications

Teen Lounge

Special collection material may be accessed through:

1. Research Library Catalogs. On-Line (Research Library Collection (1974-) and Microfiche catalogs are available in public service departments.
2. Public service departments within the Research Library, listed under "Central Library" or "Research and Specialized Services" at this site.
3. Finding aids or inventories available through the department administering the collection.

Use

• Special collection material does not circulate and must be used under staff supervision within the Library.
• Due to the McKim Building renovation and on-going space concerns, a number of special collections are now housed outside of Copley Square. Those items in remote storage require a minimum of 24 hours notice to retrieve.
• In most cases an appointment is required for viewing and use of special collections. Please check with the appropriate department.
• The physical condition of certain items and/or donor restrictions may limit patron use of special collection materials. In some instances, patrons will be directed to a microfilm copy due to fragility of the original item.
• In the Rare Books Department patrons are required to check all personal property and are permitted to take pencils, loose paper, and laptop computers into the reading room.
• Once retrieved, it is possible to have items held for arranged time periods to facilitate research needs.
• Patrons must have a valid Massachusetts library card. Courtesy cards are available free of charge for non-Massachusetts residents.

Fees

No fees are charged for on-site use of special collection material. Photoduplication requests (photocopies, photographs, microfilm) and transfer requests (audio and film material) are subject to fees, item condition, copyright and donor restrictions. Please inquire about publication fees.

Copyright

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproduction of copyrighted material.

Patrons should be aware that the Library cannot waive copyright as it applies to materials in its holdings or grant permission to publish copyrighted materials.

Support of Special Collections

The Library welcomes the interest of individuals and organizations that may be considering the donation of collections which will enhance the Library's special collection resources or develop new avenues of research. Financial gifts enable the Library to:

• purchase material in designated subject areas.
• provide access to collections through processing and cataloging.
• preserve these resources for future generations.

Contacting Us

Please send your inquiry to the appropriate department at the following address: Research Library, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Copley Square, Boston, MA 02117.

Telephone: 617-536-5400

Department extensions:

Book Delivery/Research Library Stacks: x2244 (e-mail: wwwref@bpl.org)

Fine Arts: x2275 (e-mail: telephoneref@bpl.org)

Microtext: x2018 (e-mail: telephoneref@bpl.org)

Music: x2285 (e-mail: music@bpl.org)

Prints: x2280 (e-mail: telephoneref@bpl.org)

Rare Books: x2225 (e-mail: rbooks@bpl.org)

Social Sciences: x2261 (e-mail: telephoneref@bpl.org)

Special Collections: x4236 (e-mail: speccoll@bpl.org)

Fax number: 617-536-7758