Menu of Library Services

The services described here are intended for Museum staff. Members of the general public who are interested in using the Library should consult the policies and procedures page.

• Library Privileges Policies and Application
  
• Inter-Library Loan
  
• Acquisition Requests
  
• Reference Assistance
  
• Tips and Tutorials
  
• Offsite Access to Resources
  
• Imaging and Digitization Consultancy
  
• Conservation Advice

Library Privileges Policies and Application

To qualify for Library privileges (including access to the Main Stacks, Current Literature Room, and Photocopiers) you must have a valid Museum badge. To apply:

1. Read the Library’s Policies and Procedures for Museum Staff.
2. Complete the Application for Library Privileges.
3. Submit the completed application form to the Reference Desk.

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Inter-Library Loan

• Request a book
  
• Request a book section or chapter
  
• Request a journal article
  
• Request a dissertation or thesis

Inter-Library Loan Policies
This service is restricted to those with Full Library Privileges needing loans for work-related research.

Materials are loaned to the AMNH Library as a courtesy, and their conditions of use, including due dates, must be respected. Library users who need Inter-Library Loan materials for a longer period than the time allotted should discuss this matter with the Interlibrary Loan Manager. The Inter-Library Loan Manager may be able to renew the loan (in order to extend the due date) or borrow another copy of the item from a different library. Failure to return Inter-Library Loan materials on time jeopardizes the AMNH Library's liaisons with other libraries and could adversely affect other Museum staff needing Inter-Library Loan services. Users who return Inter-Library Loan materials late will be served with a formal warning. Users who subsequently return Inter-Library Loan materials late will lose Inter-Library Loan privileges.

FAQ about Inter-Library Loan
Who may use the inter-library loan service?
What kinds of materials may be borrowed via inter-library loan?
May I request items that are missing from the Library's collection?
Do I have to pay for inter-library loans?
How will I know when the item I requested has arrived?
How long does it take to receive items through inter-library loan?
What is the length of the loan period?
Where do I return my loan?

For additional information, please call the Inter-Library Loan office at 769-5404 or send an email to loan@amnh.org.

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Acquisition Requests

Museum staff may suggest books or journals for purchase by filling out the Acquisition Request Form. Before submitting requests, please consult the Library's Catalog to make sure that item is not already available in the collection or on order.

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Reference Assistance

A Reference Librarian is on duty to assist with research inquiries, use of Library resources, literature searches, etc.

Inquiries can also be phoned in or sent via email. Please note that response time for inquiries from the general public is approximately 4 weeks. Questions should be directed to 212-769-5400 or libref@amnh.org.

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Tips and Tutorials

Reference staff are available to conduct group classes or one-on-one tutorials to show Museum staff how to use the Library's index databases and other electronic and print resources. Contact the Reference Department at 212-769-5400 for more information.

For information on how to keep up with research using alert services or RSS feeds, take a look at this written tutorial:Keeping Up-to-date with Research Articles Using Electronic Technology.

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Offsite Access to Resources

The Library's electronic resources are available to Museum staff from off-site via the proxy server. Please see the off-site access instructions for more information.

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Imaging and Digitization Consultancy

The Digital Library is working toward providing the Museum's curatorial staff and collection managers with digital capture and conversion advice and services. For more information, visit the Digital Library’s Services site.

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Conservation Advice

The Library’s Conservation Department has compiled useful information and advice about preserving personal books and papers as well as a list of suppliers for archival materials.

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