Yosemite Research Library Services

 

Research Library

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Access

Main Collection

Our main collection is available during regular office hours. Books and magazines can be viewed and checked out by park staff and partners. If you are eligible to check out library items, please print, complete and bring the Yosemite Research Library (YRL) Borrower Agreement [49 kb PDF] and photo ID to the Library.

Special Collections

Our special collections, including the vast photo collection and the reserve book collection, can be accessed and viewed under the supervision of library staff. Special care is taken with these collections and these items must remain in the library.

Inter-Library Loan (ILL)

Since the library is primarily intended for the use of Yosemite National Park staff, ILL is at the discretion of the Librarian. When possible, ILLs will be accommodated.

 

Access Guidelines

1. Appointments are strongly recommended.
2. Please wash your hands prior to entering the library.
3. Sign the guest book.
4. Only paper and pencils may be used in the Research Library. Scratch paper and Post-It notes are available for your use.
5. Please store all bags and food/drink items on the shelves/hooks outside the door.
6. Personal scanners are not allowed in the library.
7. Check in with the librarian, who will assist with your research needs.
8. Handle items with extreme care.
9. Special Collections material will be brought to the work area for the researcher and returned to the shelves by library staff.
10. Please leave materials on the table or designated open shelves.
11. Please keep documents and images in the order in which they were found.
12. Only NPS staff and partners are allowed to check items out of the library. If you are eligible, please ask the librarian for a circulation agreement prior to checking out any materials. These need to be re-submitted each year.
13. Special Collections materials may not be checked out of the library. They must remain in the library and their use must be overseen by a librarian.
14. Reproductions may be requested from the librarian at a fee. The funds collected are sent directly to the Yosemite Conservancy.

Reproduction Services

The library may reproduce materials except in the following situations:

1. When materials could be damaged due to flattening of the binding or exposure to light.
2. When copying violates copyright law.

For all reproductions, cost recovery fees are as follows:

1. Black-and-white copies: $0.25/page
2. Image Scans: $15.00/image
3. Document Scans: $1.50/page

Payment must be received before materials are shipped, and should be made payable to the Yosemite Conservancy. There is a $5.00 charge to burn scans to a CD and a 3% charge for credit card purchases. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Please specify DPI for digital image requests.

Research

All research requests should be made via email or fax [phone]). There are two types of research requests: image requests and general requests. With one full-time librarian, Yosemite Research Library resources are limited. The librarian is happy to assist with research projects on-site, but may be unable to assist with large research projects or extensive image searches.

When making a request, please provide as much information as possible, including the following (when applicable):

1. Detailed topic description
2. Previously seen location of image, information or document (i.e. website, book, magazine, etc.)
3. For what the image will be used
4. Time frame (please be as specific as possible)
5. Image size or quality requirements
6. Preferred format (we typically send TIFFs)
7. Name
8. Mailing address
9. Phone number(s)
10. Email address
11. Payment method
12. Other notes or comments that will clarify your needs and/or delivery of the requested materials