Plan Your Visit

• Researchers are permitted one box, or folder at their table at a time.
• Boxes must remain squarely on the table. Remove one folder from the box at a time and keep the folders in order in the box. Special Collections staff have place holders available at the desk.
• Keep documents neat and in order in the folder. Do not tap manuscript materials on the table. Neaten folders with the tips of your fingers.
• Do not remove items from folders. Acid-free papers slips are provided for researching to flag items they wish to have duplicated.
• Do not lean on or rest anything on top of collection materials.
• Do not write, take notes, or place note paper directly on collection materials or folders.
• Researchers must wear gloves when handling photographs or negatives.
• No marks may be added or erased from collection materials.
• Do not remove staples, paperclips, or other fasteners from collections materials.
• Return materials to the Reading Room desk when leaving for the day, going to lunch, or leaving the Reading Room for more than a few minutes.
• All books must be used with a support cradle. Books must remain in the support cradle, which must remain on the table.
• Please do not use pencils or other objects as book markers. Acid-free papers slips for marking your place are available at the desk.
• Please handle collection materials with care at all times.

The following instructions are designed to enhance the security of the collection and to ensure its proper care. Please review them carefully before using the collections, and do not hesitate to ask the staff for assistance. Canizaro Library staff reserve the right to limit or prohibit access to any materials if potential for misuse is evident.

• Complete and sign the Researcher Registration Form the first time you visit, and sign the daily register each time you visit. Be prepared to show a valid photo identification (AMU ID, driver’s license, passport, or other photo ID issued by a state or federal government agency) to a staff member when you submit the registration form.
• Secured areas at the first floor Circulation Desk are available for coats, backpacks, briefcases, purses, and other bags; these items are not permitted in the reading room.
• No food or beverages of any kind are permitted in the Reading Room.
• Pencils and paper are available for your use in the Reading Room. Materials must not be written on, leaned upon, traced, fastened together, folded or otherwise altered or mutilated in any way. Retain the order of file folders or boxes of manuscript and art collections. We welcome reports of items that appear to have been misfiled or dated incorrectly. If you encounter problems with the physical condition or arrangement of materials, bring them to the attention of a staff person.
• Personal computers may be used unless their operation distracts other researchers.
• Please be respectful of other researchers and limit your conversation to that necessary to accomplish your research.
• Copying and other forms of duplication are possible, depending on the condition of the particular item. Fill out the photocopy request form available at the desk.
• You may request that an item be placed on hold if you intend to use it again within the week. Forms are available for this purpose; please complete one form for each item to be placed on hold, and inform the staff of when you expect to return and the length of time you would like the item held. As a general rule, we will not hold items longer than 2 weeks, but special arrangements can be made.
• Return books and other materials directly to a staff member when you have finished using them. Please do not leave them unattended on a table or shelf. Removal of any item from the Library without the consent of the curator or assistant will be considered theft and punishable to the full extent of the law.
• Let Special Collections staff know if you have any suggestions for reorganizing boxes or folders.
• Researchers must request permission before publishing items from Rare Books and Special Collections. Obtain a Request to Publish form at the Reading Room Desk.
• Digital cameras may be used with permission of Special Collections staff.
• The Department of Special Collections adheres to the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). The Department will not fulfill duplication requests that, in its judgment, would either damage the materials or risk violation of copyright law.

• Researcher Registration Form
• Publishing Request Form

Our Address
The Canizaro Library
5050 Ave Maria Boulevard
Ave Maria, FL 34142

Directions to campus