Research at the David Rumsey Map Center

Accessing the collection

You may view physical cartographic items in-person at the Center by appointment. Please request items through SearchWorks and schedule a material viewing appointment.

Reading room policies

General conduct

• Pencils, paper, laptops and phones/handheld cameras are allowed in the reading room. We will ask you to stow your other personal belongings such as coats, backpacks, spiral bound notebooks, and laptop cases in the foyer lockers.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the Center.
• Ink is not permitted in the Center. Paper and pencils are available for taking notes.
• You may take digital photographs of research materials without a flash for personal reference only. Photography of other users, staff members, or spaces is prohibited. See Stanford University Libraries photography policy for more information.
• We follow Stanford University Libraries’ service and support animal policies. If you need to visit with your service animal, please email rumseymapcenter@stanford.edu before you visit.

Material viewing appointments

• David Rumsey Map Center materials are available to view by appointment only.
• Appointments must be made with three business day’s notice.
• You may view up to five paged items at one time.
• If you cannot make it to your visit or are not feeling well the day of your reservation, please stay home and take care. Please let us know by emailing rumseymapcenter@stanford.edu and we will work with you to reschedule your appointment.
• We allow for a 15-minute grace period from the start of your appointment time. We encourage you to email us if you are running more than 15 minutes late, as otherwise you may be asked to reschedule your appointment for a later date.

Material handling

• Arrive with clean hands, washed with only soap and water. Lotions are to be avoided before handling materials as they contain harmful residues.
• All books must be used in a foam cradle. A staff member will provide you with the appropriate cradle and book weights. If you need to adjust how an item is positioned in its cradle, ask a staff member for help.
• Manuscript and archival materials must lie flat on the tables; do not place items in your lap or hold them up. Do not rest objects or take notes on top of materials.

Rumsey Center staff will provide brief guidelines about handling materials the day of the appointment. You may also read about the Guidelines for handling special collections materials in advance of your visit.