National Policy Documents

There are two major professional organizations concerned with the activities of rare book and manuscript repositories in the US: The Society of American Archivists, and the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries, American Library Association.

Cornell Library's Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections develops its policies and procedures in accordance with the recommended professional guidelines published by these organizations.

Relevant national policy documents are listed here:

• Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians.
  Rare Books and Manuscripts Section. Association of College and Research Libraries. American Library Association, 2004.
• Joint Statement on Access to Original Research Materials.
  Association of College and Research Libraries. American Library Association, 1994.
• Guidelines for the Security of Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Other Special Collections.
  Rare Books and Manuscripts Section. Association of College and Research Libraries. American Library Association, 1999.
• Guidelines Regarding Thefts in Libraries.
  Rare Books and Manuscripts Section. Association of College and Research Libraries. American Library Association, 2003.
• Guidelines for the Interlibrary Loan of Rare and Unique Materials.
  Rare Books and Manuscripts Section. Association of College and Research Libraries. American Library Association, 2004.
• Guidelines for Borrowing Special Collections Materials for Exhibition.
  Rare Books and Manuscripts Section. Association of College and Research Libraries. American Library Association, 1990.