Jefferson Caffery Reading Room User Policy

The Jefferson Caffery Reading Room serves as the research area for Special Collections users. It is located on the 3rd floor.

1. Users can make requests using the following methods:
   1. In-Person: All materials in Special Collections are non-circulating and cannot leave the Reading Room. To check out items, users must produce proper identification (for the University community, their Cajun Card; for outside community, a picture ID such as a driver’s license or passport) and complete or have on file a current registration form, which is provided by Special Collections staff. When requesting archival materials, a request form needs to be completed for each individual collection. Certain materials may be loaned out on a case-by-case basis.
   2. Phone: Users may contact the Special Collections reference desk at (337) 482-6031.
   3. Mail: Mail requests will be forwarded directly to the Reference Archivist. Digitization requests by mail will be forwarded directly to the Digitization Archivist.
   4. Email: Users may contact Special Collections at speccoll@louisiana.edu. Email responses are normally sent within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
   5. Chat: Users may make requests through the Ask Us! Special Collections chat. A staff member at the reference desk will answer promptly.

• Special Collections reserves the right to not fulfill requests based on time, distance, cost, lack of vital information, privacy concerns, or condition of the requested material.

• Some materials in Special Collections may contain sensitive or confidential information protected under federal and/or state privacy laws and regulations. Special Collections takes steps to identify and in some cases remove this kind of information. Therefore, materials may need to be reviewed by Special Collections staff prior to access. Information may include, but is not limited to educational, medical, financial, and personnel records (i.e. Social Security numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers, drivers’ licenses, employment and medical records, student work, and more).

• Users are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to living individuals may have legal implications. Users who find sensitive or confidential information in any collection agree to immediately notify a Special Collections staff member. Users also agree to make no notes or other record of privacy protected information if found within the collections and further agrees not to publish, publicize, or disclose such information to any other party. Users assume all responsibility for infringement of right to privacy in use of these materials, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Special Collections, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, its employees, and agents against all claims, demands, costs, and expenses arising from the use of Special Collections materials.

2. Food and drink items are prohibited. These items must either be kept in an enclosed bag or backpack or finished/thrown away outside the Reading Room.
3. Only pencils may be used in the Reading Room. Ink pens and other such writing utensils are strictly prohibited. While pencils are provided at each worktable, pencils cannot be borrowed or taken outside the Reading Room.
4. For duplication requests:
   • Digital cameras and cell phones are permitted in order to make digital image copies of materials. Flash and sound must be turned off. Donor and copyright restrictions apply and unauthorized reproduction and publishing with personal cameras are prohibited.
   • Users may use their own external drives to use the digital scanner and STEP computers. External drives cannot be used in the reference desk computer or staff’s personal computers. Special Collections will not put digitized materials on external drives (flash drives, DVDs, CDs, etc.) brought in from outside Dupré Library. Special Collections will provide these devices if needed.
   • Personal scanners are prohibited with exceptions made at the discretion of the Head of Special Collections.
   • To publish digital materials, users must complete a Permission to Publish Form (PDF). An additional Commercial Use Form (PDF) will have to be completed if the user or the user's organization plans to profit off the digital image (refer to Dupré Library’s Digitization and Photoduplication Policy for more information).
   • To photocopy materials, users must go to the Circulation Desk to obtain a Copy Card. Special Collections will not provide a card to photocopy.
   • Any fees or fines must be paid by check or money order made payable to Edith Garland Dupré Library. Cash and credit card will not be accepted.

• Consult the University’s Digitization and Photoduplication Policy for more information on obtaining digital surrogates.

5. The Reading Room is a quiet area, meaning that it is not a group study area or allocated for meetings. Conversations between users in this area must be kept to a minimum and at a level that does not disturb other users. Cell phones need to be kept on silent, and calls need to be taken outside the Reading Room.
6. To use the Reading Room and microfilm computers, consult the Special Collections staff for login credentials.
7. Users can request to put materials on hold. Materials will remain on hold for no longer than one week unless extended by the user on a weekly basis.

Note: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (“ADAAA”), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, and other relevant laws and regulations (collectively, the “Applicable Laws”), service animals are allowed in Special Collections. No other kinds of animals are allowed. For more information, refer to the University Animal Policy (PDF).

Contact

Special Collections
(337) 482-6031 | 3rd Floor | Room 314 | speccoll@louisiana.edu

[ Last Revised on May 9, 2023 ]