Many of the materials in the Galveston and Texas History Center are unique and fragile. The purpose of the following regulations is to preserve our historically valuable materials for future generations.
All researchers must sign a User Registration Form before handling materials.
All purses, briefcases, notebooks, notepads, clipboards, folders, binders, books, and other personal items must be stored in the lockers provided. With the approval of reading room staff, up to three pages of personal notes may be kept out for reference.
Pencils and notepaper will be provided. The use of ink is prohibited.
Food, beverages, chewing gum, and tobacco are prohibited in the reading room.
Cell phones are permitted, but must be silenced. Flash must be disabled before taking photographs.
Cameras are permitted; cases must be stored in locker. Flash must be disabled before taking photographs.
Images taken may only be used for educational or personal research.
Any use of a Rosenberg Library image shall be accompanied by the credit line, “[Name of Collection], Courtesy of the Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.”
A list of reproduction fees is available upon request.
Scanners, tripods, and any other audio/visual equipment are not permitted.
Personal computers are permitted; cases must be stored in locker.
Materials may not be checked out or removed from the reading room.
A call slip must be completed for each item requested.
Materials must be handled with great care:
Materials are for research purposes and are not set up for casual browsing.
We reserve the right to restrict the use of original materials.
History Center staff will instruct researchers when gloves are necessary to handle materials.
Remove only one folder from a box at a time. Out cards must always be used to mark the place of the folder that is out.
Keep materials flat on the table.
Do not lean on, write on top of, alter or trace materials.
Do not make new folds or creases.
Do not remove items from plastic sleeves.
Do not make any marks or erasures.
Do not remove items from their folders. Keep documents inside their folders and in their original order.
Photocopies can only be made by reading room staff. Copies are $0.10 per page. We accept cash and credit cards; however, we cannot accept credit card charges less than $5.00.
Professional staff will determine if the material may be copied, based on its condition, size, format and the potential damage caused by copying.
Be selective in choosing what is to be photocopied. You will be limited to copies representing no more than 20% of a collection.
The Library makes no representation as to whether or not it is the owner of the copyright of any item in the collection. It is the responsibility of the researcher to conform to the laws of copyright, literary property rights and libel.
Photocopies may only be used for educational or personal research.
Effective 17 July 2018. Revised February 11, 2026.
