Using the Collections
The materials in the CLRC do not circulate outside the reading room in the Elmer L. Andersen Library. Photocopying is available, subject to the condition of the material and to applicable copyright laws.
Researcher Registration / Research Tools / Policies & Procedures
Researcher Registration
To better serve researchers we like to have information requests in advance. Also, we require that all researchers register with the collection before using its resources. The easiest way to accomplish this is to e-mail your requests in advance to clrc@umn.edu. For your convenience we have also put a researcher registration form on-line (pdf only). You can print this, fill it out and bring it with you to the collections. We are currently developing an all digital registration process.
Research Tools
MNCAT is the University of Minnesota's online catalog. Many of the CLRC's books and some of its manuscripts and illustrations can be found in this catalog (not all of our material is on the on-line catalogue). When you search for CLRC/Kerlan Collection material, pay close attention to the location of the item. MNCAT is a catalog for ALL of the University of Minnesota's libraries. Our location is "Andersen Children's Lit".
The collection is available for the use in the Andersen Library under certain restrictions. Inquires may be made to the Children's Literature Research Collections.
Research Tools - The University Libraries' Research Tools page contains library catalogs, indexes, electronic journals and texts, and other research tools you may find valuable.
CLRC Finding Aids - The CLRC offers several ways to find materials held in our collections:
Kerlan Collection - Many of the over 100,000 books in the Kerlan collection are cataloged in the University of Minnesota Libraries MNCAT. However, many of the older titles are only stored in our card catalog. Please pay close attention to the location of the material, as MNCAT is the catalog for the all of the University's libraries. Our location is "Andersen Children's Lit". Many children's books are available for general circulation through the University's regular loan. Kerlan Collection materials are non-circulating and must remain in our reading room. Most of the special material in the Kerlan collection, such as art and manuscripts, can be located using one of our finding aids.
Hess Collection - The entire Hess collection is contained in MNCAT. We also maintain the legacy card catalog in our reading room. Contact CLRC staff at clrc@umn.edu if you are having trouble finding Hess materials.
CLRC Reference Service
The Children's Literature Research Collections staff is available to answer any reference questions you may have about Children's and Popular literature. Please e-mail clrc@umn.edu with your question. An on-line reference form is currently in development. Because of our limited staff we limit research queries to about 15 minutes of research time.
Researcher Registration
To better serve researchers we like to have information requests in advance. Also, we require that all researchers register with the collection before using its resources. The easiest way to accomplish this is to e-mail your requests in advance to clrc@umn.edu. For your convenience we have also put a researcher registration form on-line. You can print this, fill it out and bring it with you to the collections. We are currently developing an all digital registration process.
Contents:
* Collection Development Policy
* Permission to examine Collection material
* Access Restrictions
* Conditions of Use
* Permission to Publish
* Photocopying
* Limits on Research Service Provided by Collection Staff
Because of the rare nature of much of the material, it may be used only in the reading room in 113 Andersen Library.
Persons who are unable to come to the Twin Cities are welcome to call or correspond to inquire about identifying specific materials that might be photocopied, or they may be put in touch with local researchers with whom they may arrange to have materials copied.
Permission to use archival materials normally will be granted to any qualified researcher upon completion of the registration form and agreement to abide by the following rules governing use.
Use of materials is freely granted to all responsible researchers, subject to the following regulations and procedures to ensure that the materials are protected from deterioration, mutilation, or loss.
Access to collections is open to all. Consult with the curator for clarification of any restrictions. The unit reserves the right to limit or prohibit access to any materials if potential for misuse is evident.
You are required to present at least one form of photo identification prior to use of collections. The ID will be photocopied and returned to you.
Most materials do not circulate; that is, they must be used on the premises in the reading room. Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the reading room. Food facilities are located in nearby buildings. Except for guide dogs for the visually impaired, animals may not be brought in the building/reading room.
You may bring paper, pencils, laptop computers, and needed valuables into the reading room. Purses, briefcases, book bags, other totes, and outerwear must be left in a locker. You may have access to your secured belongings at any time outside the reading room.
Information about holdings is available in the finding aids located in the reading room. Some holdings may be described on computer. Consult with the staff for assistance.
To obtain items for research, complete request forms. Fill out separate forms for each book, serial, manuscript, illustration box, etc., you wish to see. Staff members will retrieve the materials for you.
Please handle all items with care. Materials must not be marked on, fastened together, or mutilated in any other way. Retain the original order of file folders and boxes of manuscript & art collections. We welcome reports of items that appear to have been misfiled or dated incorrectly. If you encounter problems with the physical condition or arrangement of materials, bring them to the attention of the curator.
Pencils must be used for note-taking. Use of scanners, cameras, digital cameras, and video cameras is not permitted. Unless you fill out a Copyright form, which can be obtained at the CLRC.
When you have completed use of materials, place them in the box or on the cart indicated for their return. Inform a staff member when you are ready to depart.
Permission to publish from unpublished manuscripts or published works under copyright must first be obtained from the holder of the copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure that permission. The Collection staff will assist in identifying the holder of copyright.
The researcher accepts full responsibility for observing the laws of libel and invasion of privacy as well as the copyright law.
Permission to use materials does not convey permission to publish them. This privilege must be acquired separately and is the responsibility of the user. The unit can grant permission to publish only those materials for which it holds the literary rights. In giving such permission, the unit does not surrender its own right to publish the same materials nor its right to permit others to do so.
Any publication that results from use of a unit's primary sources should include citation(s) of the collections(s) used. Should the unit prove to be a significant resource for a publication, the unit would appreciate receiving a copy.
The Archives will provide photocopies of material when such duplication can be done without injury to the material and does not violate copyright restrictions or restrictions imposed by agreement with the donor. The copies are provided for the researcher's personal use only and are not to be transferred to another individual or institution without the permission of the Children's Literature Research Collections. Provision of the copies does not constitute permission to publish.
To request photocopying or other duplication services, complete the "copy request" form located in the suite and contact unit staff for procedures and cost. Both traditional photo reproduction and digital reproduction (scanning) are available.
Microfilm or other photographic reproduction can be arranged, although the Archives does not have its own photographic facilities.
* Link to Digital Collections Unit scanning services.
You are welcome and encouraged to consult with a staff member about your research needs and for clarification of procedures. Staff will help identify sources of information relevant to your interests but cannot undertake extensive research projects.
For information about the Collections or to make an appointment with the CLRC staff, contact the CLRC as listed above.