Rare Book Collection Policies & Procedures

The Rare Book Collection of Special Collections Services contains materials which are housed away from the circulating collection because of the date of publication or some other special characteristic. This policy is concerned not only with making these materials available to interested users, but also with ensuring their preservation.

Services

Access to materials in the Rare Book Collection is through the reference desk in the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room. Special Collections staff will retrieve materials since the stacks are closed to the public. Browsing is permitted for research purposes only at the discretion of the Asst. Dean of Special Collections Services or the Louisiana Room Librarian. Anyone may use items from the Rare Book Collection upon surrendering a valid form of identification, such as a current validated University of Louisiana at Lafayette ID or a driver's license. Identification is retained until all materials have been returned. The materials in the Rare Book Collection are identified in the Dupré Library Catalog with a designation of "Rare Book Room."

Users

Anyone wishing to use items from the Rare Book Collection must complete forms indicating the items desired. Users are required to use a pencil to take notes when using rare books. Users desiring to publish materials from the Rare Book Collection are responsible for securing any needed copyright permission.

Circulation of Materials

Use of materials from the Rare Book Collection is more restricted than for items in the circulating collection. Items must be consulted in the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room, and do not circulate. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, especially for faculty requesting items for use in classes or for researchers needing materials for in-depth study. Even in these cases, circulation is usually restricted to a maximum of three (3) days. The Assistant Dean for Special Collections Services or the Louisiana Room Librarian makes this determination.

Fees & Fines

If materials are lost or damaged while in the possession of a user, that individual is responsible for replacement and repair costs as determined by rare book dealers' catalogs or consultation with conservators.

Copies

Photocopying may only be done with the permission of either the Assistant Dean for Special Collections Services or the Louisiana Room Librarian. This restriction is due to preservation concerns since many items in the Rare Book Collection are in fragile condition. A self-service KIC Scanning Station is available in the Jefferson Caffery Louisiana Room to use at no charge.

Contact

Neil Guilbeau | Instructor and Reference Archivist
(337) 482-1164 | neil.guilbeau@louisiana.edu

[ Last Revised on May 9, 2023 ]