By Emily Baer
The New York Historical Society recently spent $70 million trying to make the space more inviting — but one woman who recently went there to do research is feeling snubbed.
When writer and tour guide Maria Dering arrived at the coat check for the library in the Historical Society, she was told that she was not permitted to bring books or paper notes into the library. She was only allowed to bring a laptop, camera, or cell phone (a cellphone in the library? I remember the days when these weren’t allowed in libraries!) She was told paper would be provided if she needed it, as well as a writing instrument.
Once in the library, she had to hand over any hand written notes that she still had and they would be returned once she finished her research. (We’ve posted the library’s notice on what you can and can’t bring in below). When Dering asked “Why?” she was told that this was now the policy of the research library.
This new policy poses an important question for people who use the library often and do not have portable electronic devices at their disposal (she does not). What are they supposed to do if they need to bring notes in for reference?
Or as Dering put it on her blog:
“I cannot imagine why a library would not welcome people who use their notes for research. Not everyone owns a laptop (me!), can afford to buy one, or cares to work on one in a library. Nor can anyone remember every detail they want to research: names, dates, places. Obviously, I am not a technological Luddite (here I am blogging), but I am amazed. When I asked why I couldn’t bring a single sheet of paper into the Library, I was told that it was a new policy. But why? No one could tell me.”
The historical society hasn’t gotten back to us about the reasons behind the policy. The library has its policies posted on its website here, and in more detailed form in this document, but there is no explanation that I can find of the reason behind the “no outside paper” policy.
After some investigation at other museum libraries around New York City and the world I have discovered that this seems to be a new policy that is being adopted. Most of these institutions are changing over to being digitally based, allowing greater accessibility and interaction for people who do come in with laptops and other electronic devices. Much of the world has become so dependent upon the convenience of these devices. But for those who still are “old school” and use paper and handwritten notes, this is a major hindrance when doing research.
This is horrifying! I never heard of such a thing. If they are worried about theft and/or copyright issues, why would they allow phones, which could take a photo of copyrighted material? I am writing from the Chicago area: sure am glad the Newberry doesn’t have this policy. I had to locate a French quotation for a new book in a fairly exotic source. I consider the Newberry the place of last resort, because you can’t check anything out and xeroxing is expensive. I only needed a short quote. To help me, I brought in a sheet of paper with the reference on it so I could easily request the book I needed. I couldn’t have memorized it and I don’t go around with electronic devices. As I recall I had to check my coat and purse (understandable if theft is a concern), but they didn’t object to my bringing in that piece of paper. I think I also had my photo ID with me. I find this not only appalling, but inexplicable. I don’t see how a piece of paper is a security threat, while electronic devices (as noted above) could photograph unique material. Very strange. Let’s hope they change this crazy policy.
That is flat-out bizarre. I’m all for making the place accessible for technology users. But a ban on paper? Index cards are taboo? Pens are outlawed? (No mention of pencils, so maybe we can sneak one in, scofflaws that we are.) What can possibly be the thinking behind that? I will await results of your investigative journalism with bated breath.
You can imagine how I felt last Friday. I had work to do and got the breath knocked out of me. Choices: give up and go home; beg for one-time only right to bring in one sheet of paper; cry. I chose door #2, but that’s all, folks. Let’s see if the N-Y Historical Society ever replies to West Side Rag. So far, they haven’t replied to me.
Dear Emily,
Your blog about the New-York Historical Society’s new library reading room usage guidelines was very interesting and gives us an opportunity to clarify the new procedures.
The new guidelines are designed to better protect the rare items in our great collection. As your research indicated, our new policy is similar to what is being adopted by other libraries.
While it is true that researchers cannot bring paper into the library, the library staff would be happy to photograph a few pages of notes for researchers. They will also provide researchers with pencils and paper.
The New-York Historical Society remains committed to enabling people to engage with their history.
Sincerely,
Laura Washington
Vice President of Communications
The New-York Historical Society
This response makes no sense. You can protect rare materials by inspecting what comes in AND goes out. When I came to pick up copies, no one inspected them as I left. I understand the need to protect the collection, but why the huge shift from June to November? Many people now CANNOT use the library due to a procedure that favors only laptop users.
I see nothing wrong with this at all. Having encountered documents with pages removed for the convenience of some user, I fully support the policy. My only question: what took them so long?