The Coller Rare Book Reading Room in the Malloch Suite at The New York Academy of Medicine Library is open to the public by appointment. Appointments are not necessary for NYAM Fellows.
Please check our hours.
Registration
- Researchers in Historical Collections should check their coats, umbrellas, books, and large bags in the coatroom outside of the reference lobby in the library on the third floor. These items are not permitted in the Coller Rare Book Reading Room. Only note cards, paper, and items necessary for research are allowed.
- Lap-top computers are permitted in the Coller Rare Book Reading Room.
- Researchers must register by filling out a registration form in its entirety.
Use of Rare Materials
- To obtain an item, fill out a request form using the information found in the card catalog or online catalog. The entire call number, including dates and words such as "folio" or "MS" should be included on the request form. One form is required for each item requested. Completed forms should be given to the Reference Librarian.
- Readers are allowed up to three items at a time. Additional items will be brought as others are returned. If using a manuscript collection, only one folder may be consulted at a time.
- Only pencils are permitted at the reader tables for note-taking. Pencils and acid-free marker strips are available in the Coller Rare Book Reading Room.
- Materials should be handled with great care. Do not rest papers, other books or hands on the items while working; books should not be held in one's lap or against the edge of a table or on other books. Use the book stands, cradles, and weights provided. Hands should be clean before materials are handled. Ask the Reference Librarian for the location of the lavatories.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the Coller Rare Book Reading Room.
- If using a manuscript collection, please keep it in order. Do not mark, fold, or disarrange the papers or use them as a base for writing notes. Do not attempt to remove clips or staples from any of the pages; ask for assistance.
- Inform the Librarian if you are leaving the room for any reason. Under no circumstances may material be removed from the Coller Rare Book Reading Room.
- Readers may make arrangements in advance with the Librarians if they are interested in taking photographs for research use only. Only photography using natural light is allowed; no flash is permitted.
- Please notify the Librarian if any damaged or disordered material is discovered.
- Readers should inform the Librarian when they are ready to leave. The items will then be checked against the request forms.
- Material will be held for the researcher if he/she plans to return within two weeks.
- Researchers are asked to make their next appointments before leaving or to call or email to make additional appointments.
- The Librarians are available to researchers for consultation with regard to research topics, for assistance with catalogs, and to answer any questions. Please don't hesitate to ask.
Photographic Services and Permission to Reproduce Materials from the Collections
- Inquiries concerning photocopying of books, manuscripts, and other materials must be referred to the Librarians, whose decision in such matters is final. The physical condition of the material or other factors may limit photocopying; the researcher will be informed in such instances. Other photoduplication services are available. Ask for information about prices and procedures.
- Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the New York Academy of Medicine Library. Permission to photocopy or photograph materials does not constitute permission to publish. Please consult the Rights and Permissions page within the Historical Collections portion of our website for detailed information about permission to publish, and for information about fees and digital reproductions.
