Library & Archives Policies

We're Excited to Have You Visit!

The Wisconsin Historical Society Library & Archives are glad you've decided to visit and access our services. We have a few key things we'd like you to be aware of when you join us in either our Library, Archives, or other areas of the building. 

Library Code of Conduct

Rationale/Purpose

The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) Library and Archives support a wide array of research interests in the field of United States and Canadian history. Being in close proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Society also supports the mission of teachers, researchers, and students by facilitating access to information. To that end, the Library and the Archives acquire, organize, make accessible, and preserve sources of knowledge and information in all formats.

The Historical Society serves as the American history library for the university, and the library and archives cooperates closely with the university library system.  Many of the Historical Society IT systems and public services are interconnected with those of the university.  As a consequence, a violation of the Historical Society’s Code of Conduct or the Code of Conduct of the UW-Madison libraries may result in sanctions not only at WHS but across the campus library system.

In order to provide a safe and respectful environment for collaborative and individual study and learning, patrons who enter the Wisconsin Historical Society library and archives agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Policy Expectations

Individuals will:

• Obey all federal, state, and local laws including Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 18 which governs conduct on university lands.
• Comply with applicable university policies and all library policies including, but not limited to, food and drink, noise, mobile device usage, photography, and filming.
• Use computers, online resources, and all other library technology within the guidelines of the UW System Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy.
• Adhere to policies governing appropriate use of university identification and present identification to library staff upon request.
• Respond to alarms and other emergency or security situations as instructed by staff.
• Limit use of the library to public areas and leave library spaces at closing.
• Treat all library users and staff with respect.

Individuals will not:

• Exhibit any threatening or intimidating behaviors, e.g., abusive language, threats of violence or harassment.
• Engage in behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others.
• Create disturbances, disruptions, or behave in any manner that is inconsistent with the UW-Madison Libraries’ mission.
• Engage in any sexual activities outside the limits of applicable laws.
• Vend, peddle, solicit, or petition in UW-Madison Libraries.
• Post or distribute materials without permission in UW-Madison Libraries.
• Misuse, misappropriate, damage, steal, deliberately misplace, or obstruct use of library equipment, resources, or facilities.
• Violate copyright laws, including systematically downloading, printing, scanning, or disseminating content in violation of copyright laws.
• Deface or damage library materials including, but not limited to, underlining, highlighting, writing, removing pages or security devices.
• Use library areas for prolonged sleeping or as living quarters.

Enforcement

Any violation of our code of conduct is subject to sanctions, which include, but are not limited to:

• Being asked to leave the library premises
• Being reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (Division of Student Life)
• Having library privileges suspended or revoked
• Being banned from the UW-Madison Libraries or Campus
• Being reported to the police
• Legal prosecution

Activities that result in sanctions by any University of Wisconsin-Madison library may be grounds for comparable action by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Incidents which result in a ban may be appealed to the State Archivist. Appeals must be written and sent to:

State Archivist
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison WI 53706

The State Archivist will consider the appeal and respond in a timely fashion.

Questions or comments may be directed to the Library-Archives Director of Reference and Public Services.

Archives Reading Room Policies

Policies for Conducting Research in the Archives Reading Room

These policies pertain to the use of the Archives Reading Room located at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

1. Researchers must register to use the Archives Reading Room. You will be asked to re-register every year.
2. Researchers must sign the log each day when entering the Archives Reading Room.
3. All personal effects, including briefcases, backpacks, and purses, must be placed in lockers; coats may be placed in the closet. Lockers are located in the hall outside the Reading Room.
4. Only pencils may be used in the Reading Room. Computers, tape recorders, and cameras (see 12) may also be used with staff permission.
5. Food and beverages are not allowed.
6. The use of certain materials is restricted by statute or by donors. For the protection of its collections, the Society also reserves the right to restrict the use of unprocessed, extremely valuable, or fragile materials. Materials do not circulate and are not loaned to individuals.
7. Researchers must stop at the reference desk before leaving. All notes, photocopies, books, and other papers must be presented to the staff for inspection. By law, the Society is given the right to detain any persons suspected of attempting the unauthorized removal of any archival material. (WISCONSIN STATUTES, Chap. 943.60. Text in LAWS OF 1979, Chap. 245.) Penalties for archival theft include a fine of up to $10,000 and prison term from nine months to ten years depending on the value of the materials taken.
8. A researcher should have only one container of archival material at his/her work station at a time and should complete work with that container before using another container.
9. All materials must be handled carefully. They must not be leaned upon, marked, bent, or torn. Their existing arrangement must be preserved. Sheets must be turned in order and kept neatly in the folders. Please report to the staff any errors in cataloguing, dating, or filing. Gloves must be worn at all times when handling photographic materials.
10. Scanning is self-service but staff permission must be sought before copying any bound volume, oversize sheet, or fragile item.
11. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, use of personally identifiable information, and copyright which may be relevant to his/her use of materials.
    You may use our copying equipment or your own digital camera to copy documents, provided you agree to the following additional terms:
    • The scans or photographs I make are for my personal study and research. I will not place them on the Web, publish them, or distribute them without the written permission of WHS staff.
    • I will not scan or take pictures of photographs unless I have permission to do so.
    • I will keep materials flat on a table, or on a stand or cradle provided by WHS staff.
    • I will not stand on chairs, tables, or other furniture.
    • I will turn off the flash and sound on my camera and will not use any special lighting.
    • I understand that the WHS Archives reserves the right to deny permission to photograph or scan collection materials.

For questions related to visiting the Archives Reading Room, contact the Archives by phone or by emailing Ask Archives.