Special Collections Usage Guidelines

• Rare books and archives are available for the following purposes only: (a) for research, when no reprint or digital version of the work is available, or (b) when a reprint will not adequately provide the information needed.
  
  
• Researchers must make an advance appointment. Access to the collection is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. weekdays.
  
  
• Researchers must have specific citations to materials. Access is limited to five books or one archival collection at a time.
  
  
• Researchers must follow all handling guidelines provided by the Technical Services Department. Access to certain materials may be denied due to their fragile condition or restrictions placed on the collection.
  
  
• Researchers must use materials in the Technical Services Department. Material may never leave this area.*
  
  
• Materials may not be photocopied but, with permission, non-flash photography is permitted for research purposes.
  
  
• Only pencils are allowed when working with Special Collections materials.
  
  
• Food and drink are not allowed in areas where these materials are used.
  
  
• Each day before 3:45 p.m., materials must be returned directly to a Technical Services staff member.
  
  
• Any exceptions to these policies must be made by the Director of the Law Library.

Access to Wolf Law Library Special Collections is by appointment only. For more information, please contact Linda Tesar regarding rare book collections or Kathryn Monk regarding archival collections. 

*With advance notice, William & Mary Law School professors may request a member of the Technical Services Department bring materials from Special Collections for classroom use. The library may also facilitate instruction using Special Collections in the Technical Services Workroom.

Policy revised: June 2026