Facts About the Natural Sciences Department Libraries

Contents

• Getting to the Libraries
• Visiting the Libraries
• Finding Your Way Around
• Types of Library Materials Available
• Using Library Materials
• Getting More Help

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.

SI Libraries' Home | Search SI Libraries' Catalog (SIRIS)

Smithsonian Institution Libraries
Washington, D.C. 20650-0154
(202) 633-1680
Comments and Suggestions: mailto:libmail@si.edu
Last revised: 8/31/04