Access to the Special Collections Reading Room is by appointment only and is restricted to the following current Stanford ID cardholders*: students, post-docs, professors (including emeriti), all staff, fellows, and Stanford visiting scholars.

• You can only visit Special Collections in order to use materials that are restricted to the reading room.
• You must first request those materials in SearchWorks.
• Once the materials have arrived at the reading room, you’ll be notified with instructions for making an appointment.

Before you come into Green Library, make sure you:

• Have approval to be on campus in our academic zone*.
• Make an appointment using your My Library Account. 
• Complete the COVID-19 Hygiene Best Practices, EHS-2470-WEB in STARS. 
• Prior to coming to campus each day, use the Stanford Health Check Tool to self-report your health status.
• Be prepared to display your Stanford Health Check Tool status:
• Do not come to the library if you are sick or feel unwell.
• Do not come to the library if you are under self-isolation orders by the university or a medical professional. Access to the Libraries will be denied until your isolation period is over.

New procedures in the Special Collections Reading Room during COVID-19

• Seating is one person per table at all times
• Face coverings must be worn at all times
• Wash hands before entering and re-entering reading room
• Please practice physical/social distancing at all times
• Please do not enter the reading room if another person is being assisted ahead of you. Public Service staff will indicate when it is appropriate to enter.
• We will assist one person at a time at the reference desk. Please wait until there is no one at the desk before approaching.

Please note existing procedures that are still in force:

• Blue note paper and pencils are available for note taking 
• Only these items are allowed in the Reading Room: personal computers, pencils, tablets, phones (for photography only). All other personal items are to be stored in a locker.
• Return Special Collections materials with ample time to access lockers before closing, and retrieve personal belongings only when the locker area is clear of other patrons

* Access to Stanford University's Academic Zone has been limited to specific groups to protect faculty, staff & students currently on campus. For more info on limitations to campus access, please see Stanford's FAQs on Campus Zones. There are no exceptions.