Who may use the collections? Where can I use them?

Where is the Library located?

What are the Library hours?

How can I look up a publication in the Library catalog?

How do I find archival and object collections? Why are there only a few archival collections in the Library catalog?

May I browse or retrieve materials myself?

Can I check out materials from the Library?

Is help available to researchers?

What should I expect when using the reading room?

Are there restrictions on what sort of items I can bring into the reading room?

Does the Library provide computer facilities for word processing and other applications? Is wifi available?

How can I get copies of materials?

How do I get permission to publish an image from the collection?

Can I volunteer at the Library? Do you have internships?

How can I donate material to the Library?

How can I donate material to the archives or museum collection?

What are my books, photos, etc., worth? How can I care for my personal collections?

Who may use the collections? Where can I use them?

The Library is open to park staff and all members of the public. Archival collections (photos, original documents, etc.) are available to park staff and researchers for use in the library with valid photo identification by appointment only. Walk-in requests for archival collections access will not be honored. Object collections are also available by advanced appointment only. Please contact the Library reference staff to make an appointment.

The Library is located on the 3^rd Floor of Building E at Fort Mason Center. Please see Plan Your Research Visit for directions, parking availability, and other information to help plan your visit.

Please see Plan Your Research Visit for hours and other information to help plan your visit.

How can I look up a publication in the Library catalog?

Most of the published items (books, periodicals, etc.) are listed in the NPS Combined Library Catalog; see Collections Catalogs & Finding Aids for more information.

See Collections Catalogs & Finding Aids for links to the archival, object, and library publications catalogs.

Only the public reference materials in the reading room are available for self-service. The Library stacks are closed to everyone except authorized staff. Paging of materials is handled by library staff. Some materials are located in offsite storage, and paging times vary.

Can I check out materials from the Library?

Borrowing privileges are extended to NPS staff only.

Most Library Stack materials can be borrowed through interlibrary loan service, for use in your local library. Rare library materials, archival materials, and audio-visual collections are not available through interlibrary loan, and must be used in the Library Reading Room.

Reference assistance about the collections with limited research is available. Staff are unable to undertake lengthy research investigations.

What should I expect when using the reading room?

Please refer to our Access Policy and Rules Governing Use for a full list of rules for the Library reading room.

Are there restrictions on what sort of items I can bring into the reading room?

Yes; please refer to our Access Policy and Rules Governing Use for a full list of rules for the Library reading room. Lockers are available for storage of personal property.

Does the Library provide computer facilities for word processing and other applications? Is wifi available?

While researchers may bring laptop computers into the reading room, the Library does not provide computers for word processing or other software applications. Library computer workstations in the reading room are for library catalog access and research only. Wifi from the Library Friends may be available; consult reference staff for availability before your visit.

Requests for reproductions from library and archival collections may be available, depending on the item's condition. Please refer to the Park's Duplication Services for information on reproductions and pricing. All copies are produced by park staff only. Payment is accepted with a credit card or checking account via our Pay.gov site.

How do I get permission to publish an image from the collection?

Please see our Notice of Intent to Publish or Use form.

The Library periodically has volunteer and internship opportunities for both short-term, project based and long-term assignments. Please contact the park's Volunteer Office to learn more.

How can I donate material to the Library?

Questions concerning donations of library materials (books and periodicals) should be directed to the park's non-profit cooperating partner, the Friends of the San Francisco Maritime Museum Library.

How can I donate material to the archives or museum collection?

The Park collects and preserves materials in all formats that document the maritime heritage of the Pacific Coast. Questions concerning donations of archival materials or objects to the museum collection may be directed to the attention of Keri Koehler, Collections Manager, keri_koehler@nps.gov. Please include a description of the item(s) you would like to donate and a digital image of the item(s). Items offered for donation are reviewed monthly by the Park's Acquisitions Committee. The Park can not appraise items offered for donation.

The Park staff can not provide this information to individuals; please see Conservation/Preservation Information for the General Public at the Conservation Online website for links to resources and information.