Online descriptions, called collection guides, for the Library's archival collections can be found at archives.nypl.org.
- Each collection guide opens to an overview tab that summarizes its contents and scope.
- At the top of the guide, click the "Detailed Description" or "Printable (PDF) Version" tabs to view an inventory of the collectionand identify the specific items you wish to view (boxes, volumes, etc.).
- Once you have selected the material you'd like to see, you can complete the Collection Request Form to request it, along with a proposedappointment date and time.
Where to Find the Request Form
The Collection Request Formcan be found within each collection guide. Look for the summary box at the top of each guide, and click the link next to "Access to materials."
You will first be prompted to log in to your Special Collections Account, then directed to the Collection Request Form. In some cases, the link will lead to a blank form, with instructions for completion.
If the collection guide does not include a link to the Collection Request Form, contact staff to discuss your request by clicking the "Contact the Division" button at the top of the collection guide.
Navigating the Request Form
At the top of the Collection Request Form is an overview section, which provides general information about the collection as a whole.
Below the overview section, you will see the Contents List, which has the collection's containers listedwith checkboxes next to them. Select the checkbox next to any item to request it for in-person review.
All items are expanded by default. You can click on the dash next to any item to collapseits description. There are also options to Expand All/Collapse All at the top of the contents list to help facilitate your requesting.
If you do not see any checkboxes displayed in the request form, please do not use the form and instead contact Research staffto make your request.
Note that the options for selecting an appointment areat the bottom of this form, and you will do this after you have made your selections.
Once you have checked off the boxes for the material you wish to see:
- Complete the additional fields at the bottom of the Collection Request Form:
- Appointment DateSee the Scheduling an Appointment tab for further details on this section.(For researchers visiting the Library for the Performing Arts, disregard the appointments section in the form. Performing Arts staff will contact you regarding appointments availabilityonce you have made your requests.)
- Tell us about your researchProvide one or two sentences describing how this item connects to your project.
- Additional Information (optional) If applicable, communicate further details about your request to staff.
- My Notes (optional)Add your owninternal notes, which will not be shared with staff.
- My Tags (optional)Useshort labelsto help you organize your requests.
- Finish your request by selecting one of the following options: submit your request to staff, save your itemfor later submission (see below for more on this feature), or cancel and return to the home.
What if the collection guide links to a blank form instead?
In some cases, you will click on the request link and see a customized blank form for a specific division (for example, the Berg Collection). In this case, please fill out the fields in the form to the best of your knowledge, and you will work with staff to confirm the materials you want to see on your research visit. Once you fill out the fields in the form, you will follow the same instructions for choosing an appointment:
- Complete the additional fields at the bottom of the Collection Request Form:
- Appointment DateSee the Scheduling an Appointment tab for further details on this section.(For researchers visiting the Library for the Performing Arts, disregard the appointments section in the form. Performing Arts staff will contact you regarding appointments availabilityonce you have made your requests.)
- Tell us about yourresearchProvide one or two sentences describing how this item connects to your project.
- Additional Information (optional) If applicable, communicate further details about your request to staff.
- My Notes (optional)Add your owninternal notes, which will not be shared with staff.
- My Tags (optional)Useshort labelsto help you organize your requests.
- Finish your request by selecting one of the following options: submit your request to staff, save your itemfor later submission (see below for more on this feature), or cancel and return to home.
Is there a limit to how much I can request?
You can select as many items in the Collection Request Form as you would like. However, there is a limit to how much material can be prepared in advance for an appointment. The Collection Request Form will submit up to 5 requests to staff, and any additional requests will be added to your Saved for Later list for future requesting. You can work with staff to determine priorities for your appointment.
You can submit one Collection Request Form for each appointment.If you need to submit requests for another appointment,return to the collection guide andfill out a second Collection Request Form, selecting a new appointment for the Appointment Date field.
