In 1971, when physical science materials were transferred to the new Sciences Library, the John Hay Library became exclusively a repository for the Library's Special Collections. Special Collections has administrative responsibility for the Annmary Brown Memorial . The John Carter Brown Library , which also houses special collections material, is an independent institution at Brown and is not part of the University Library system. The John Hay Library's main Reading Room is available for quiet study as well as for research. A separate Reading Room is available for users of University Archives.
Personal computers are welcome.
All tables in the main Reading Room are equipped with power surge protectors. Public network taps are not yet available. Hand-held scanners, because they require actual contact with materials, are not permitted. A cluster of networked workstations, including one in the main Reading Room, which afford access to the Library's online catalog, the internet, over 100 subscription databases, and over 3,000 electronic journals is available. A listing of the Library's electronic resources is available on the e-resources section of the general Library home page.