Patrons must obtain a library card before using the Archive Room. To obtain the card, patrons must first complete an online application and submit proof of identity and address. This is done in the reading room which is conveniently located near the entrance to the building.

In general, children are not allowed to conduct research or accompany adults as they conduct research in the Archive Room.

Patrons may not bring belongings other than loose sheets of paper into the Archive Room. Patrons planning to use laptop or notebook computers should bring battery packs, because there are few electrical outlets in the Archive Room. Personal office equipment such as laptop computers brought into library building must be registered at the front desk in the Reading Room. In addition, patrons must agree to follow special rules for the safe handling of visual materials.

As a preservation measure, the Library serves "surrogates" (e.g., digital, videodisc, or, microfilm images) in lieu of original images when such ready reference copies exist.