research
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Research Policies and Procedures
The resources of the Webb County Heritage Foundation are available on
an equal basis to all researchers who abide by the Foundation’s policies.
Much of the material is rare or fragile, and it is essential that particular
care be taken in handling each item.
We request your assistance in preserving these collections for future generations.
- Please check your briefcases, notebooks, cameras, cellular telephones, and all personal articles with a staff member on duty. The library staff reserves the right to inspect all papers and personal articles taken from the archives.
- Please sign the visitors' register when entering the reference room. Include your full name and address.
- Ink of any kind is prohibited. Please make arrangements with a staff member to use your computer or tape recorder.
- Materials in the reference room are shelved in closed stacks. Please consult the index, catalogs and other finding aids to locate material you wish to use. Staff members are available to assist you.
- Vault materials are examined by staff members for condition and order before and after use.
- As a general rule, researchers may use no more than two rare books or a single manuscript container at one time.
- Reference materials must be used in the reading room and should be left on the tables after use.
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All library material must be handled with care:
- Do not write on, trace, or crease library material or handle it in a way likely to damage it.
- Please observe and maintain the original order of boxes, folders, and papers.
- Please use gloves provided when handling unprotected photographs or other materials upon the advice of staff. - Please do not bring food or drinks into the reference area. Smoking and chewing gum are not permitted.
- The use of some materials in the library may be restricted by donors or office of origin. For the protection of the collections, the WCHF also reserves the right to restrict access to material that is not arranged, is being processed, or is unusually rare or fragile. In some cases, copies may be substituted for originals.
- Please be advised that the WCHF does hold the copyrights to most of the material in its collection. It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure those rights when needed. Permission to reproduce does not constitute permission to publish. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright, literary property rights, and libel.
- Fifty percent of payment is due in advance. Fees may be reduced or waived for donors of materials used and for uses directly in support of the mission of the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
Research fees
MEMBERS:
All members receive 3 hours of complimentary research time. $5.00/hr thereafter (in addition to reproduction and shipping fees)
NON-MEMBERS:
Unassisted research: Free
Research request performed by WCHF staff: $15.00 per hour (in addition to
reproduction and shipping fees)