John Hay Library
The John Hay Library is open to all members of the Brown community and to the general public; any researcher presenting a valid personal identification card with photo is welcome to use the collections. A reader registration form must be filled out by users who are not affiliated with Brown University or the Rhode Island School of Design (renewable each year). Special Collections materials are housed in closed stacks and do not circulate outside of the building. All readers are asked to comply with Reading Room regulations designed to protect rare and fragile materials. Personal computers and digital cameras are welcome at the John Hay Library. All tables in the main Reading Room are equipped with power surge protectors. Hand-held scanners, because they require actual contact with materials, are not permitted.
The John Hay Library will reproduce Special Collections material to the extent that physical condition and copyright or other legal restrictions permit. Reproduction is available in the form of photocopies, microfilm, photographic prints, slides, color transparencies and digital scans. The Library retains ownership of all negatives and color transparencies.
Holdings at the John Hay Library in the History of Medicine are extensive, encompassing specialized collections in (among other topics) alcohol, temperance and addiction; pharmacopeia and materia medica; anesthesiology; anatomy and diet; gynecology; mycology; and ophthalmology. These are supplemented by a significant collection of historical medical instruments.
Natural history in all its varieties is a particular strength of the collections of the John Hay Library.