Rules for Use of Manuscripts and Rare Books Parts of the Rotch-Wales Collection are becoming available for viewing and printing online, but if you have a need to see the entire collection in its original format, you may visit the Massillon Public Library and reserve research time to examine the documents. The following rules must be observed when working with this rare collection:

1. Use of these special materials is restricted to adults using them for established scholarly purposes. The Library sets these limitations to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the materials which cannot be replaced.
2. Use of the materials is by appointment only. Please contact:
   Sherie Brown, Head of Reference Services
   Massillon Public Library
   208 Lincoln Way East
   Massillon, OH 44646
   Phone 330.832.9831
   Fax 330.832.8273
   E-mail: click here
3. Persons using the materials will be required to register, providing their name, complete address and phone.
4. Smoking, or use of any tobacco product, eating, drinking, or chewing gun, is not allowed while using the materials.
5. Persons using the materials must leave coats and briefcases, backpacks or bookbags outside the Reference Room. The Reference Librarian will assign a safe place for these items.
6. Persons wishing to take notes from the materials must use a pencil. Manuscripts must not be marked or written upon in any way for any reason.
7. Extreme care must be taken in handling manuscripts and books. Many are fragile.
8. The researcher will use the index to the Rotch Wales collection and make a list of specific files to be retrieved. General requests ("Bring me everything") cannot be honored.
9. The Reference staff will pull and refile documents. The researcher may have at the table one folder of manuscript materials at a time. Upon returning that folder to the Reference Librarian a subsequent folder will be issued.
10. Manuscripts must be kept in their existing order within each file folder.
11. No manuscripts or books may be taken from the Reference Room by the researcher.
12. Photocopying from bound volumes is forbidden. Permission may be granted to photocopy flat manuscript material, taking into account the condition of the document and the possibility of damage if copied.
13. Be aware that research will be time-consuming because of the care that must be taken with these materials. The Library Staff will do everything within reason to expedite your research while maintaining the integrity of the collection.
14. Credit must be given to the Massillon Public Library for source materials used.