Hours

The Malloch Rare Book Room at The New York Academy of Medicine is open by appointment Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM. The room is open from 10:00 AM until 6:45 PM on Wednesdays. Appointments can be made by calling Arlene Shaner, the Reference Librarian, at 212-822-7313, or Miriam Mandelbaum, the Curator, at 212-822-7310. Appointments are not necessary for Fellows of the Academy.

Registration

• Researchers in Historical Collections are required to check their coats and any briefcases, umbrellas, books, and large bags in the coatroom on the first floor. These items are not permitted in the Rare Book Room. Only note cards, paper, and items necessary for research are allowed.

• Lap-top computers are permitted in the Rare Book Room.

• Researchers must register by filling out a registration form in its entirety.

• 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 turned in 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 Rare Book 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 Rare Book 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 the Reference Librarian for assistance.

• Inform the Reference Librarian if you are leaving the room for any reason. Under no circumstances may material be removed from the Rare Book Room.

• Readers may make arrangements in advance with the Reference Librarian 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 Reference Librarian if any damaged or disordered material is discovered.

• Readers should inform the Reference 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.

• The Reference Librarian and the Curator 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.

• Inquiries concerning photocopying of books, manuscripts, and other materials must be referred to the Reference Librarian or the Curator, 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 the Reference Librarian for information about prices.

• Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the Reference Librarian. Permission to photocopy or photograph materials does not constitute permission to publish.