History Day Research @ the MNHS Library: Step 4: Visit the Library

Our full guide to visiting the Library has lots of good information and advice, but here are some of the most important things for History Day researchers to know before they arrive:

• "What should I Bring?"  
• "What should I NOT Bring?"
• Getting a Library Card
• Requesting Materials at the Library
• Requesting Materials in Advance
• Copies and Cameras
• MNHS Librarians
• Minnebaloo!

• Pencils and Paper for note-taking
• Tablet or laptop computer: Table numbers starting with "E" have wall outlets for power nearby and we have free wi-fi.
• Phone or digital camera: Cameras can be used to take non-flash pictures of many items in our collection, but not of everything.  Please ask at the reference desk before you take any photos.  
• Money for scans: Same-day PDF scans cost $0.25 each.  
• Flash/thumb drive: You can only download to a flash drive from our microfilm-scanner computer.
• A quarter for a locker: Securely lock up your backpack/purse and any other materials you don't need in the reading room in a locker.  And you'll get your quarter back when you leave! 
• A photo ID, if you have one.

A variety of items are not allowed in the reading room, including: 

• Food and beverages: If you get thirsty/hungry, there are water fountains and a cafe in the building.  
• Ink pens, markers, highlighters, etc.: Pencils are fine, though!
• Personal scanners or copiers: You can have copies made for you, just ask at the Copy Services window.  
• Coats and outerwear: These can go in a locker or on our coat rack.
• Backpacks, purses, and other bags: These should go in a secure locker.
• Cell phone ringers: You can bring your phone in, but turn off the ringer and make any calls from the library lobby so you don't disturb other researchers.  

All researchers at the MNHS Library must register and get a library card when they first visit.  This process is very simple.  If you have a photo ID--like a driver's license or permit--you will show that.  If you do not have a photo ID, your parent or guardian can show theirs and you will both get cards.   

Most of the materials in our collections are in closed stacks. This means that once you find materials you would like to use in the catalog or a finding aid, our staff must retrieve them and bring them to a research table for you.

If you are at the MNHS Library, you will request materials using a digital request form that is located on the home page of every computer. (Detailed instructions for request slips are in our full Guide to Using the Library.)  

Hints for time management:

• Request items in advance, so they are waiting for you when you arrive. Up to 3 items can be requested in advance (see below).
• The on-site retrieval process can take up to 30 minutes.
• We stop taking requests 30 minutes before the Library closes.

Requesting materials in advance can save you a lot of time:

• You can request up to 3 items in advance when you make an appointment to visit the library.
• Place your advanced requests via the Self-Service Advance Request Form included in your appointment confirmation email. 
• Materials requested in advance will be waiting for you when you arrive; ask at the Library's Request Materials window.
• Some items are stored off-site.  These must be requested in advance and can take up to a week to arrive.

The Copy Services window is where you can order PDF scans, photographic reproductions, and media duplication from items in the collections.  Most items in the collections may be scanned, unless they are too fragile or are subject to restrictions.  The cost is $0.20 per page (for up to 11in x17in items), same-day scans. (Detailed copy pricing list)

Researchers can take non-flash photos of most items for research purposes.  Before taking any photos, please ask at the Reference Desk to be sure an item can be photographed.  (Camera Use Policy)

The MNHS Library is always staffed with librarians who are happy to help with your research.  Just ask at the Reference Desk!

Gale Family Library
Minnesota Historical Society Library

Located on the Second Floor of the Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Library Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
 

More Information on Visiting the Library

Contact Us:

651-259-3300

Email Us

Visit our Main Website