Facts About the Natural Sciences Department Libraries
Contents
Getting to the Libraries
- There are 20 libraries of
the Smithsonian Institution Libraries system between New York City and Panama:
- Five of them are within the Natural and Physical Sciences Department:
Anthropology,
Botany, National
Museum of Natural History, National
Zoological Park (NZP), and the Smithsonian
Environmental Research Center (SERC)
- Within the National Museum of Natural
History (NMNH) there are locations
(see also maps - maps
are only available to SI Libraries' staff, please see your librarian for
assistance) in various departments including Minerals, Vertebrate
Paleontology, Entomology, Mollusks, Worms/Echinoderms/Coelenterates, Copepods,
Crustacea, Amphibians and Reptiles, Fish, Birds, and Mammals.
Visiting the Libraries
- Outside visitors must make an appointment to use any of the Smithsonian
Institution libraries. Library hours vary. When planning to visit, be sure
to call ahead to confirm that they will be open.
-
The NMNH main library is open 8:45-5:15 PM.
- Telephone 202-633-1680
-
Fax Number 202-357-1896
-
For information about the satellite libraries with NMNH, and other Branch
libraries check their particular home page.
Finding Your Way Around
-
How the materials are arranged on the shelves: Please select the
floor plan for the library you will be
using. Most of the books are arranged by Library of Congress classification.
Consult the floor plans or ask in the Main Branch for the location of:
reference books, journals, current periodicals, microforms, and others.
You can also pick up floor plans and bookstack arrangement handouts in
every library.
-
Where to find the library's catalog: The online catalog is called
SIRIS. Computers to search SIRIS are located in each Branch library location.
You can also access SIRIS remotely
from your home or office.
-
Computer availability in the libraries for personal use: The ADP
office in the National Museum of Natural History offers computers for scanning
and other purposes to the staff only. There are no facilities for personal
emailing and wordprocessing, etc. within the NMNH libraries. For such locations
in other Branch libraries check with the appropriate librarian.
-
Lost and Found in the library: Always keep your personal belongings
with you as you move around the library. If an item is lost please report
it not only to the appropriate librarian but to the Security Office.
- Accessibility: The libraries offer special
services for persons with disabilities. Please call ahead if you will
need these services. For security reasons many of the doors are locked and
coded. Check with the appropriate librarian for access information or call
202 633-1680.
Using Library Materials: Smithsonian Staff
-
Library Cards: Only those employees with a current Smithsonian Institution
ID may apply for a library card by filling out an SIL Borrow Registration/
Authorization Form. The form is available at the main Natural History Library
(or from library staff in the satellite libraries.) Library materials may
not be removed from SI premises. Employees who choose not to
apply for a library card or do not qualify for a library card may still
use the library, but may not check out material from the library.
-
Copying Restrictions: Library materials may be reproduced within
the restrictions of the Copyright Act, provided that, in the judgment of
the librarian, no damage to the book will result. Photocopy machines are
available.
-
Electrical Outlets: There are electrical outlets to hook-up your
own laptop computer, however data outlets are not always available.
-
Inter & Intra- Library Loan: Users may request materials
which are charged out to another borrower, located in other Smithsonian
Institution libraries, or available at outside of the Smithsonian.
See branch staff for forms and assistance. Interlibrary loan requests
for materials outside of SIL are permitted only when directly related to
Smithsonian research.
-
Loan Period: Depending on employee status, type of library material
and condition of material, the loan period is from one week to six months.
Borrowing privileges will be suspended if material is not returned or renewed
(by phone or in person) by the due date. If an item is lost or damaged
beyond repair the borrower is responsible for the cost of replacement plus
a $25.00 processing fee.
-
Reshelving: Check with the appropriate branch staff regarding where
returned materials should be placed.
-
Food and drink cannot be brought into the library.
Using Library Materials: General Public
-
General Public: may have in-house use of library material, which
may include access to electronic databases and e-journals, by first setting
up an appointment with the appropriate library staff.
-
Accessibility
Information
-
Borrowing Material: Borrowing material is permitted only through
interlibrary loan services available through your public, special and/or
academic libraries.
-
Copying Material: Library materials may be photocopied within the
restrictions of the Copyright Act, provided that, in the judgment of the
librarian, no damage to the book will result. Users are charged fifteen
cents per page and payment is by cash or check.
-
Electrical Outlets: There are electrical outlets within each library
to hook-up your own laptop computer.
Types of Library Materials Available:
-
Books (Monographs) and Journals (paper and microform formats): The
SIRIS provides access to these items
located in the branches.
-
Books and Journals (electronic): Access is provided (in-house only)
via the SIRIS system and the WEB to a wide variety of journals (many with
full text) and to books not owned by SIL and to rare books and other materials
which have been digitized.
-
A-V Materials: Some collections also hold audiotapes, video cassettes,
and CD's. Most will be listed on SIRIS.
-
Reference: In addition to the many specialized materials in each
branch library, the Central Reference and Loan Branch is the primary location
for general reference materials.
-
Reprints: Although not part of the SIL system, many of the NMNH
departments have comprehensive reprint collections (mainly journal articles).
These reprints are located either in individual curator's offices or in
the satellite libraries serving those departments. Contact the individual
departments.
-
Getting to the Libraries: Ask the appropriate
librarian for locations of the reprints collections outside of the NMNH
building, e.g. SERC, or the NZP (National Zoological Park),
Getting More Help
-
More guidance to do research: Library staff members are available
for consultation and in-depth assistance. They are skilled in searching
databases and the World Wide Web and in finding information on countless
topics.
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Smithsonian Institution Libraries
Washington, D.C. 20650-0154
(202) 633-1680
Comments and Suggestions:
mailto:libmail@si.edu
Last revised: 8/31/04