Requests for vault materials cannot always be filled on demand. Using Special Collections Material All Special Collections material is non-circulating and may be consulted in the Reading Room only. Unauthorized removal of any item for any reason may result in loss of John Hay Library readership and study privileges, and prosecution under the General Laws of Rhode Island, Title 11, Chapter 14.5 and 14.15. Only those books and papers necessary for research are permitted in the Reading Room. Readers must leave coats, briefcases, book bags, knapsacks, large handbags, parcels and other personal property in the coatroom.
Secure lockers are available.
All papers, folders or any other materials taken into the Reading Room, including personal effects, must be presented for inspection to the monitor before a reader may remove them from the Reading Room. Upon sufficient grounds, a reader may be detained and searched under the provisions of the General Laws of Rhode Island, Title 11, Chapter 14.1. Pencils are the only writing implements allowed in the Reading Room while library materials are in use. A supply is available at the Reader Services and Reading Room desks. Please return them before leaving.