All readers must register annually in order to request Special Collections and Archive material. Registration is NOT required by patrons wishing to view exhibits or consult our reference collection. We require that patrons conform to the rules and regulations outlined here. Please note that we reserve the right to inspect library materials and personal items prior to entry and upon departure from the Special Collections Room.

• Reading privileges are granted to registered readers to use Pepperdine material, subject to the following rules:

• Readers are required to deposit coats, hats, brief cases, and other personal property not essential to their work with the desk attendant. Readers may take into the Special Collections Room only a laptop, paper, pencils, and books essential to their immediate research.

• Ink of any kind is strictly prohibited.

• Digital cameras are permissible provided that their use does not disturb other researchers.  Use of flash photography is prohibited.

• Rare books and manuscripts may be consulted only in the Special Collections Room, and no material may be removed from the room.

• All material in the Special Collections and University Archives must be handled with great care to ensure their safety and preservation. No marks may be added or erased. No tracings or rubbings may be made without specific permission. No books, papers, or other objects (except the weights specially provided for holding books open) may be laid on or affixed to the material. The arrangement of manuscript pages must not be altered.

• To request an item, please fill out a request card.

• Readers are generally allowed one archival box, or up to three books at a time in the Reading Room. The proper order of manuscripts within file folders, portfolios, and boxes must be maintained. Archival paper strips for place-holders will be provided. One folder at a time should be removed from its box, examined, and then returned to the box before the next folder can be removed.

• All research areas are accessible to the disabled.

• All material must be returned to the desk attendant when the reader leaves the room. Material to be used in the immediate future may be reserved at the desk for up to one week.

• The Library staff will make various kinds of reproductions. The light and heat produced during photocopying damage paper and contribute to fading. Handling materials is damaging, no matter how carefully it is done. Please help us preserve materials by keeping your requests to a minimum.

• We can provide photocopies as long as physical condition, current copyright law, and the Libraries' agreement with a donor allow. If library staff determines a request exceeds fair use under copyright law, a request will be denied.

• Many oversize items cannot be copied because of physical constraints. Fees for special handling are charged for those items that can be copied to cover the extra costs involved.

• If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact the library staff prior to your visit.