First-time Visitors
Special Collections is a non-circulating research library open to the general public. If you possess a USC ID card with a library barcode, you will be able to request most of our materials through HOMER, the University's online catalog. Library barcodes may be obtained at any of the libraries on the USC campus. Non-USC visitors may request materials by visiting Special Collections directly or by contacting the department via phone (213-740-4035) or email. Although no appointments are necessary to view most of our book collections, appointments are recommended for consulting our archival collections as many are housed off-site and require extra time to arrive.

Registration Procedures
If you are using our collections for the first time, you will be asked to fill out a User Registration Form. This form is used for statistical and collection-use information. The form also highlights the Reading Room Policies. All users accept that they have read these policies and agree to follow them.

1. You will be asked to provide current photo identification upon completion of the User Registration Form.
2. As you approach the Special Collections Reading Room, you will be asked to leave all your personal belongings (including all bags, purses, notebooks, books, pens, cell phones) in our lockers. Laptop computers (but not laptop bags) are permitted.
3. Only pencils and note cards provided will be allowed in the Reading Room.
4. Materials being consulted must not leave the Reading Room.
5. Eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed in the Reading Room

Guidelines for Use of Materials
Materials in the Special Collections are non-circulating. For the safety and preservation of our books and archival collections, we ask that all users comply with the following guidelines when handling materials:
Books: Care & Handling Guidelines
Manuscripts/Archives: Guidelines for Handling Manuscripts and Archives