[NJARC] Research at the NY Public library

[ftldny at gmail.com]

Robert Lozier wrote:

> Sometime starting in September or October, I will have to work 3 to 5 
> weeks in Baltimore. My usual routine has me flying home for the weekend 
> but I’ve been thinking that this might be my first opportunity to spend 
> some time going through microfilm at the NY Public Library. (I failed to 
> get microfilm through inter-library loan.)

The NYPL has two primary research branches; the Humanities and Social
Sciences Library ("Main") at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue:

http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/

and the Science Industry and Business Library (SIBL) at 34th Street and
Madison Avenue:

http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/

I do research at both several times a year.

Each of them has a microfilm section; SIBL has open access to film of
all US patents, although these are now much more easily accessed via
Google. The main library has all the microfilm newspaper archives:

http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/mic/

Check the location of specific items in the catalog:

http://catnyp.nypl.org/
http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/admin/tips.html

There's open access to some microfilm at the main library, but I've
found that requesting other microfilm there can be time-consuming during
the week; it might be worse on weekends. It's best to research the items
you need in the on-line catalog and request them through the call-ahead
service (easiest way is by email a few days in advance):

http://www.nypl.org/research/services/callahead.html

I haven't tried call-ahead for microfilm; you should check with the
library to see if the service is available.  For books there's a limit
of three items per day on call-ahead; if you explain your out-of-town
circumstances they may be more accommodating.

> I presume that access is available on the weekends.

The Research Libraries are closed on Sundays in the summer, open
Saturday 11 - 6. The main library will have Sunday hours after September
7th.

To access materials from the reference collections you'll need an Access
Card. There's no charge for this and you can apply on line:

http://www.nypl.org/research/general/about.html

> If I take Amtrack from Balto, what kind of connections would I have to 
> make to get to the main library microfilm repository?

Microfilms and other reference materials are available only at the
public library buildings.  Either one is an easy walk from Amtrak's Penn
Station at 34th Street and 7th Avenue.

It's OK to bring in a laptop into the libraries; best to avoid big bags.
   It's also permissible to use a digital camera to copy printed material
at the reading tables (available light only, no flash). I've found my
camera also works well for taking screen shots from computer monitors; I
haven't tried it on the microfilm readers, but I expect it would work.
You can also buy a copy card from machines at each library for use with
the photocopiers and microfilm printers. The card can be topped up as
needed using small denomination bills.

> Any tips on getting there would be appreciated. Also inexpensive hotels 
> to stay on a Friday or Saturday nite.

No such thing in Manhattan!  Perhaps others will have recommendations; I
commute to the library from my home on Long Island.

-- 
Bill Burns
Long Island   NY   USA
http://ftldesign.com