Walk-in researchers are welcome! We encourage those interested in library holdings to come in and explore our library collection. All researchers will be asked to sign-in to the library upon entry.

We ask that researchers with specific research questions contact library staff at least two business days in advance of their visit to schedule an appointment. This allows plenty of time to retrieve any materials that may be stored off-site.

Depending on the specific material requested, appointments may be facilitated at the Janet & William Ellery James Center at the CAM Green (13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA) or the museum's downtown campus (27 Pleasant Street, Gloucetser, MA).

Food (including gum and mints) and drink are not allowed in the Library and Archives spaces or in the museum.

Researchers are allowed notepaper, pencils, laptops, flash drives, and cell phones. Materials not permitted in the Library and Archives include large bags, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, laptop cases, or other storage items. If you have any questions about what materials you are allowed to bring with you during your research appointment, please contact library@capeannmuseum.org

Pets are not permitted in the Library and Archives. Service animals are always welcome.

Cell phones should remain on silent when visiting the library and archives.

Researchers must wear shoes at all times in the Library and Archives space.

In most situations, clean dry hands are the best way to handle collections materials. Some photographs do require the use of disposable nitrile gloves. Library & Archives staff will provide these to any researcher who may need them.

Researchers should only review materials from one box at a time. Folders should be removed individually and viewed flat on the table. We ask that researchers do not review more than one folder at a time. Researchers should take care to keep material in the order in which they find the materials in the folder. Bound volumes must be examined in book cradles.

Please ask for assistance with uncut pages or to unfold maps. Do not lean on or take notes on top of collection material.

Acid-free paper is available at the reference desk to be used as markers, please do not use your own paper.

Researchers can use their own cameras to take photographs of suitable items, for research purposes, at no cost. If requested, the librarian may be able to scan some material on site. The following policies apply:

All library policies for handling materials will be enforced. Items in folders must be kept flat, bound items kept in cradles. Materials may not be manipulated to produce a better image.

No flash, tripods, special lighting or extra equipment are permitted without prior consent of the Librarian and Archivist or the Assistant Librarian and Archivist.

As a courtesy to other researchers, please change your camera settings to “mute.”

We require formal permission to reproduce images from our collections. Fees may be incurred for use in publication or for other uses. For reproduction requests please consult library staff and read our Rights & Reproductions policy.

For the safety of patrons and staff, security cameras are installed in the Library and Archives space. By visiting the Library and Archives, you consent to the use of security cameras.