Access Policy

© 2007 Sheila Klos

The Research Library primarily serves the staff and resident Fellows of Dumbarton Oaks. Outside scholars who need access to the Library for their own research may obtain it by qualifying as a Weekday Reader or a Reader.

Arrangements for both Reader and Weekday Reader status must be made in advance and a scheduled orientation to the building and collections is required of every first-time user. Applications for access are submitted electronically using the attached form, should be sent to libraryaccess@doaks.org.

All applicants who are not former Dumbarton Oaks Fellows must submit a letter of reference from a recognized authority in the relevant field at the time of application.

Reader status

Reader status permits a user to be in the Library during all open hours. Approval of Reader status may be for a short period, but it is generally good for a full year (July 1-June 30). Renewals are handled electronically.

To qualify, applicants must be one of the following

• Former Dumbarton Oaks Fellow
• Scholar holding a doctorate in those subjects collected at Dumbarton Oaks (or an MA in Landscape Architecture)
• Currently enrolled doctoral student who has satisfied all course requirements and is working on his or her dissertation
• Spouse or partner of a current Fellow who possesses appropriate academic qualifications in his or her own right

Weekday Reader status

Weekday Reader status permits use of the Library's collections Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Approval of Weekday Reader status is generally good for a short period of time; renewal requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To qualify, applicants must be one of the following

• Doctoral student not yet writing his or her dissertation
• Master's candidate who demonstrates a scholarly need to use materials not held in other libraries in the Washington, DC area

Short-term Access

Those who fail to meet the criteria for either category of reader may request special consideration for short-term access to the collections by explaining their need on the application form.

All readers are issued a photo identification badge which must be worn at all times when on Dumbarton Oaks property. Admittance to the Library is not permitted without a valid badge.

A limited number of reserve shelves are available for Readers and Weekday Readers. Please request an assigned shelf when applying for access.

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