COLLECTIONS USE  |  INTERLIBRARY LOANS  |  REFERENCE  |  RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS

The NSL is a research facility, and, as such, the collection does not circulate. The Library and its collection are open to the public, and we invite students, journalists, sportsmen and other researchers to use the collection. We permit open access to the stacks, but ask that every user register at the front desk and check any coats and/or bags.

Access to the NSL online catalog is available from computer terminals in the Library and via the website. The NSL also includes its holdings information on the Online Computer Library Center's (OCLC) WorldCat.

Click here for the NSL's online Catalog.

As a research facility, we cannot allow individual users to take materials off the premises. We do, however, allow institutions to borrow materials for exhibit and display on a case-by-case basis. For information, please call (540) 687-6542.

A photocopy machine is available for on-site users. The cost is 15 cents per copy. Please ask a staff member for assistance before copying.

The NSL participates in the OCLC interlibrary loan system. Your local library may be able to request a book through InterLibrary Loan for In-Library use only. Books that are rare, brittle or in poor condition will not be loaned; loans will be made at the discretion of the Librarian.

The NSL endeavors to provide basic reference services to visitors in person and off-site. However, our staff is small; if you have topics that require extensive research, you may consider planning a trip to the Library or hiring a professional researcher.

In an effort to provide the best possible and most efficient service, we ask that anyone with a basic reference or research question to fill in a Reference Request Form and mail or fax it to the Library. Research performed by Library staff in response to a request is limited to 30 minutes per request.

Click here to print out a copy of the Reference Request Form.