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Using
Libraries Outside of The Washington Research Library
Consortium
Many scholars need to use libraries
external to their home institutions. Some instances
include:
- Archival
Research
- Using
a Special Collection
- Studying
or researching in a locale geographically distant
from American University
It
is important when using another library that you
be adequately prepared in advance. Therefore we
suggest the following steps.
Step
One: Locate the Library you Need
- If
going abroad, The World of Learning (Ready
Ref AS 2 .W6) will provide you with contact information
for the libraries and study centers in the area.
- If
you need other libraries in the Washington DC
Area, consult The Washington Area Library Directory (Ready Ref Z 732 .D62 W36)
- For
other libraries within the United States, consult
the American Library Directory (REF Z 731
.A53)
- If
you are looking for archival or special collections
materials, search Archives
USA to determine where the archive or special
collection is located.
Step
Two: Get Background Information on the Library or
Collection
- Go
to a search engine like google.
- See
if the organization has a Web site.
- Read
as much as you can about the organization ahead
of time.
Step
Three: Make Contact
- In
an Archival or Special Collections situation,
call the Archivist.
- If
you want to use a library's general collection,
contact the administrative offices or write the
Director.
Step
Four: Ask Questions
- Where
is the collection I am interested in located?
- Do
I have to tell you what I want to see ahead of
time?
- Do
I need an appointment?
- Is
research assistance available?
- Can
I bring a laptop?
- Can
I bring a portable scanner?
- Should
I bring pens/pencils/paper or are they provided?
- What
kind of photocopying is permitted and is there
a limit to the amount?
- Are
there any kind of copyright restrictions I should
be aware of?
- What
is the parking situation?
- Do
I need a letter of introduction / recommendation
Step
Five: Letters of Introduction / Recommendation
- Contact
the American
University Library Administration to request
a letter of introduction / recommendation
- Most libraries in the United States do not require such letters
- Many foreign libraries and some archives or special collections do require
such letters
- If you are going to use a library external to
WRLC for intensive research, it is also courteous to take such a letter
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