§ 701.8 - Assignment of special research facilities.

(a) Study shelves. Individually-assigned reserve shelves are available adjacent to several reading rooms for the use of researchers whose work requires access to the same materials over an extended period of time. Shelves are assigned to applicants for a specific period through the Research Facilities Office, Humanities and Social Sciences Division. Shelves must be renewed at designated intervals.

(b) Study desks. A limited number of study desks are available for the use of researchers engaged in full-time research projects involving extensive use of materials requiring larger amounts of material drawn from the Library's collections, more work space, greater physical security, and/or a more private environment than might be possible in a reading room. Study desk areas shall not be used as a primary office from which the project undertaken is operated, nor as a business location. Study desks are initially assigned for a period not to exceed one year, with the assignment and termination dates determined by the Head of the Main Reading Room Section, Humanities and Social Sciences Division. The assignment of a study desk beyond the first year may be made by the Chief of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division for a maximum of two years from the first assignment when there is a demonstrated need for the continuation of the assignment. Assignments beyond two years require an exception to this part and shall be specifically authorized by the Associate Librarian for Library Services. Any researcher who demonstrates a continuing need for a facility beyond an expiration date may reapply, but priority will be given to applicants on the waiting list who meet the specific criteria.

(c) Congressional use of study rooms. Rooms 225A-225E in the James Madison Building are available for the exclusive use of Members of Congress and Committees for official research that requires use of the Library's collections or files in the Congressional Research Service. Assignment of study rooms shall be made in accordance with the Resolution of the Joint Committee on the Library of September 12, 1959, which states: “* * * occupancy of study rooms assigned to Members should not be delegated to others than members of their own office staff who are paid no less than 20 hours per week from U.S. Government funds and at a rate of not less than the minimum salary of a GS-3 clerk-typist * * *, and that Members should not request assignments of rooms for themselves merely for the purpose of sponsoring the work of private individuals and non-Government groups. * * *” Rooms are assigned for one year or the life of the project, whichever is less, with the assignment and termination dates determined by the Director of the Congressional Relations Office.