Washington University Libraries
Department of Special Collections
Manuscript Division

PAGING GUIDELINES

1. Patrons (and staff fetching the materials for processing) must make requests for materials using the Paging Form for Manuscript Materials. These forms can be printed off the web or obtained from the service desk in Special Collections. Make sure to encourage the patron to make a complete materials request on the form. Multiple boxes can be held on the shelving in the processing area, though only three at a time can go to a patron.
2. Sign out the appropriate key for fetching materials.
3. Locate a book truck. All manuscript materials MUST be transported to and from the stacks on a book truck.
4. Retrieve manuscript materials by carrying them from the manuscript storage ranges to the front of the stack area. This is because the tracks for the compact shelving make the carts that we have bump rather severely, and it will save wear and tear on the materials if the materials are carried to the carts rather than bumped over the tracks.
5. Whenever possible, use the service elevator for retrieving materials. Renovation, at times, will make this impossible.
6. In those rare cases where the materials that the patron has requested could not be located, call the situation to the attention of one of the curators immediately. Annotate the form on the back with the following information: Date, time, and locations where the item was sought, and file the item under search in the administrative file cabinets for the Manuscripts Division. Verify the contact information on the form so that the patron can be contacted when the status of the materials has been verified.
7. Deliver the items to the processing area. Place the boxes on the shelves designated for paged items near the double doors by the service desk.
8. Notify the service desk staff that the items have been paged
9. Sign the key back in.