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Rules for the Special Collections Reading Room

Renovating UB

In the Special Collections Reading Room, you can study manuscripts, items printed before 1900, maps, images, ephemera, newspapers, and other fragile materials. Primarily, we refer you to digital copies of the requested material. If you have a particular need to consult the physical originals, we can make an exception.

You can request older printed material

Older printed materials are available upon request. The storage renovation is complete.

The Special Collections Reading Room is camera-monitored for security reasons. 

Access

Please book a seat in the Special Collections Reading Room. Walk-ins are welcome If seats are available.

Book a seat in the Special Collections Reading Room

  • Each visitor must have a valid library card. If you are not a Swedish citizen, you can apply for a temporary library card at the library's main information desk.
  • You must read and sign the general rules and conditions on the first visit.
  • All visitors must sign the guest book at every visit.

Forbidden items

  • Outerwear and bags (briefcases, book bags, laptop computer cases, etc.) must be kept in lockers outside the reading room.
  • No pens or sharp tools are allowed.
  • Food and drink are not permitted under any circumstances.

Borrowing rules

  • You may request a maximum of ten volumes at one time.
  • The requested materials are available for eight days from the requested date.
  • Each visit extends the loan by thirty days.
  • We may store the material in a temporary, accessible archive for three months.
  • You may consult a maximum of five books or one volume of unbound materials simultaneously.
  • We generally refer the researcher to the digital copy if the requested material is accessible in a digitised form. We can make exceptions if you have special reasons for consulting the physical original.

Material usage

  • No material may leave the Special Collections Reading Room.
  • Materials must remain on the table during use. They should not be placed in the lap or propped against the table edge.
  • You may lay no papers, books, or other objects on materials in use.
  • No marks are to be added to or erased from materials consulted.
  • You must preserve the order and arrangement of unbound materials.
  • Only Reading Room staff members may cut unopened pages.
  • Clean hands are required when handling all materials. When consulting photographs, you must wear gloves supplied by the Reading Room staff.
  • Use pillows and weights when instructed by the Reading Room staff.
  • Magnifying glasses, ultraviolet lights, and a light table are available upon request.

Photocopies

  • The use of digital cameras is permitted. Do not use flash, and you should turn the sound off.
  • You can also order photocopies from our digitisation department, contact the Reading Room staff for more information.
  • Always specify the source when you use Lund University Library material in publications. Note that it is your responsibility to follow copyright laws.