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Frequently Asked Questions
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Who may use the Library?
The Library is open to all researchers of California history. We suggest
elementary, secondary, and undergraduate students seeking published material
(books, journal articles, etc.) start their research at school or public
libraries. If you would like to schedule your visit in advance or discuss
your research interests with library staff, you may call the reference
desk at 415 357-1848 x220 or send e-mail to reference@calhist.org
Do I need to make an appointment to use the Library?
You are welcome to stop in during our public open hours, Wednesdays through
Fridays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Researchers must be registered before 4:30, when paging stops.
The Library is located at the CHS
headquarters at 678 Mission Street in San Francisco.
What should I bring to the Library?
You will need a valid photo ID to register to use the library, and pencils
and paper for note taking. In the interest of protecting the collections,
pens are not allowed in the Reading Room. Laptop computers are permitted;
however, please be prepared to check your computer case along with any
other bags, coat, etc. that you are carrying.
How can I find out what
is in your collection?
The CHS collection does not facilitate browsing since most of the collection
is shelved in "closed stacks." You will need to identify the
materials you wish to see by using card catalogs, shelf lists, and finding
aids in order to complete request slips so that items can be retrieved
by library staff. A significant portion of our printed collection (books,
pamphlets, posters, etc.), manuscript collection, and photography collection
is included in Melvyl (http://melvyl.cdlib.org),
the online catalog for the University of California and a number of independent
California libraries.
Additionally, the Online Archive of California (www.oac.cdlib.org)
includes finding aids for some of our manuscript and photography collections.
However, many of our collections are only accessible through card catalogs,
shelf lists, and finding aids located in the CHS Library Reading Room.
Library staff will be happy to answer questions regarding particular
collections or our holdings on a specific subject.
Can I view photographs
on the Internet?
Since the bulk of our photography collection is not scanned or viewable
online, the best way to access our photographs is by making a visit to
our library. Currently, images from our collections are featured in two
online digital projects: California
History Online, on the website, and The Chinese in California Digital
Archive, part of the Library of Congress American Memory website (http://www.memory.loc.gov).
May I borrow
from the Library?
Materials from the Research Collections do not circulate to
individual researchers or other libraries. All research must be done
on-site in the Reading Room with the supervision of library staff. We
may provide photocopies in response to Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests,
if the material is not widely available through other libraries and the
request is for a small number of pages. Occasionally, the Library will
lend
microfilm of manuscript collections through ILL to other research libraries.
We do not lend microfilm copies of newspapers.
How can I get photocopies
of Library materials?
Photocopying can be done by library staff only. You must complete and
sign a Photocopy Request form indicating which items you would like to
have copied. All photocopying is paid in advance and subject to approval
by library staff based upon preservation and copyright concerns. Photographs
are never photocopied and manuscript collections are never photocopied
in their entirety.
Can I get photocopies without visiting the Library?
All requests for copies must be made in writing, either by letter, e-mail,
or fax; we cannot accept requests made by telephone. You will be sent
a Photocopy Request form on which to indicate those items you would like
to have copied. All photocopying is paid in advance and subject to approval
by library staff based upon preservation and copyright concerns. Orders
are completed in the order in which they are received. There is neither
a rush schedule nor rush fees for photocopying, and we cannot guarantee
delivery within a specific time. A $10 minimum fee applies to all orders
sent remotely.
How can I get a photographic
reproduction
of an item in the CHS collections?
Please see Guidelines for Obtaining Images
Do you provide digital scans
or images for purchase?
No
May I photograph or scan Library materials myself?
By arrangement and at the discretion of library staff, you may take digital
photographs for reference use only, using your own camera. Flash is not
permitted. By arrangement, video/motion
picture filming may be scheduled for a fee. Scanning
is not allowed.
Does the Library offer research for
a fee?
No. Due to the size of our staff, we can only provide limited research.
Generally we will devote up to twenty minutes to each question regarding
our collections. For more involved requests, we can provide a list
of independent researchers for hire in the Bay Area who may do research
in our collections for you.
Would you be able to tell me how much a
book (photograph, diary, painting, etc.) is worth?
We cannot provide appraisals
or assign values. Appraisals are the business of booksellers, auction
houses,
and accredited appraisers. Here are some
links to assist you in researching auction sales prices or finding an
appraiser:
Antiquarian Booksellers' Association
of America
American Society
of Appraisers
Pacific Book Auction
Bonhams & Butterfields
Why is
it called the North Baker Research Library?
North Baker, 1912-1991, was a former president of the Board of Trustees of the
California Historical Society and a generous benefactor of the Library. |
