Using the Library
The National Postal Museum Library will be closed on Saturday, August 20th. The library will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on August 27th instead. Thank you. In addition to our regular hours Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, the National Postal Museum Library is open on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In case of inclement weather, please call the Library first to determine whether it’s open – 202.633.5544. When you arrive at the Museum, go to the information desk in the main lobby and tell the receptionist you have an appointment to use the Library. The Librarian will meet you at the Benjamin Franklin statue at the bottom of the escalator.
Library Catalog
The primary tool for searching the library’s holdings is the Smithsonian
Libraries’ online catalog at http://www.siris.si.edu. The Smithsonian
Libraries’ collections are also cataloged in OCLC and RLIN, which include
the holdings of most research libraries in North America and a growing number
abroad. Within the library, the books and journals are arranged according to
the Library of Congress classification system. The stacks are open to all library
users.
Information and Reference Services
In addition to the Libraries’ online catalog, the library has a variety
of both print and electronic reference tools useful for finding information
on philately and postal history. The print collection includes a variety of
catalogues, directories, handbooks and encyclopedias that support philatelic
and postal history research. Electronic resources, including ProQuest, American
History and Life, and Biography and Genealogy Master Index, are available as
Additional Resources on the NPM Library’s home page.
Lending Policy
Smithsonian employees with library cards may borrow library books for periods
of 1 to 6 months, depending on staff status. Journals, reference books, manuscripts,
archival documents and photographs do not circulate. The public may borrow SI
Library books through their own public, special or academic library’s
interlibrary loan program. SIL adheres to the interlibrary loan guidelines of
the American Library Association. The National Postal Museum Library does not
lend books that are fragile, damaged or otherwise at risk.
Photocopy/Microform Facilities
A photocopy machine and a microform reader/printer are available in the library
for patron use. Copyright restrictions are observed in any photocopying. Library
staff may restrict the copying of fragile materials and oversize books.
Preservation
No smoking, eating or drinking is allowed in the library. Users are reminded
to exercise care in handling library materials, especially when photocopying.
Users are also asked to not use Post-It notes, paper clips or other items to
mark the pages.
Losses/Damage
If an item is lost, the borrower will be charged for the cost of replacement,
plus a $25 processing fee. Users who damage materials will be charged for the
cost of repair.
Complementary Collections
Washington, DC is the premier postal history and philatelic research center
in the United States, with related research collections nearby at the United
States Postal Service, the National Archives and Records Administration, the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Library of Congress. Complementary
collections within the Smithsonian Institution Library system are located at:
- National Museum of American History
- National Air and Space Museum (for resources on airmail)
- National Museum of American Art (for information on art, graphic design
and printing techniques)
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