Using our Collections

Getting Started

Though a part of the Trinity College Library, the Watkinson remains a public institution available to all readers under the rules governing its use.  Users from the Trinity community need to bring their Trinity ID’s and sign in.  Non- Trinity users must sign in, show a photo ID and fill out a user’s application.

The Watkinson Library is a closed-stack, non-circulating collection.  A reader requests material by filling out a call slip for each title which will be retrieved by Watkinson staff.  Use of materials is restricted to the Watkinson reading room.  The rules governing its use, which are available in the reading room, are designed to protect and preserve fragile and rare materials.  Researchers are allowed to take notes in pencil or to use a laptop.  The library is equipped with wireless technology.  No food or drink is allowed in the reading room.

Almost all Watkinson materials are listed in the Trinity College Library’s online catalog.  Exceptions are manuscripts, ephemera, maps, visual materials, such as posters, and sheet music.  There is an inventory of manuscripts, other than book length examples, on the Watkinson website.

As a further aid to researchers guides and exhibition catalogs featuring parts of the collection are available from the Watkinson website. 

Photography

Reproductions can be made by library staff of most materials in the Watkinson.  In addition, with permission of the staff, readers may use their own cameras in the library.

Publication and copyright

Permission to consult materials does not carry with it permission to publish, which must be requested separately in writing.  Users of materials from the Watkinson Library and the College Archives accept full legal responsibility for observing the laws of copyright, as well as the laws of libel and invasion of privacy and property rights.

Directions to the Library

The Watkinson Library is on the main level of Trinity College's Raether Library and Information Technology Center.  Maps and directions are available on the Trinity College website.

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