Goal I: To continue to collect published works of lasting significance, on the history of the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, including information about local events, businesses, organizations, civic affairs, and the environment. To collect the published works of local authors.

Goal II: To increase awareness of and access to the local history collection.

Goal III: To maintain accurate bibliographic records of the local history collection.

Collection Development Policy: The library will add material to the Archives Room through purchase and gifts of new materials and of out-of-print materials. New local history materials added to the library may include a circulating copy and a reference copy as well as an archival copy. Final decision on all gifts to the library rests with the Director. The library does not collect manuscripts, diaries, photographs, artifacts, or other non-published materials.

Scope: The library works cooperatively with the Town Clerk's Office and the Manchester Historical Society. The library does not wish to duplicate the efforts of either of these organizations.

Reference: Reference services for local history are available during library hours, in person, via the telephone, and by mail. A librarian will retrieve specific titles from the Archives Room for use in the Reference Room.

Access: All materials in the Archives Room are accessible through the library's on-line catalog (IPAC). Material does not circulate but may be used in the library. Pages may be photocopied by patrons (15 cents per page) or by staff for mailing to an individual or faxing (maximum 30 pages) to another library. The Archives Room may be opened to the public during specific times designated by the Director.

The Archives Room is closed to the public because of the steep stairway and lack of staffing. Researchers may be admitted by permission of the Library Director.

Briefcases, purses, backpacks, etc must be left downstairs.

No food or beverages allowed.

Pencils only. Do not rest notepaper on open books. Pressure from writing can tear fragile paper. Use only paper bookmarks-no paperclips, rubber bands, folded corners to save place. Do not attempt repairs of books.

Staff will re-shelve books.

It is the researcher's responsibility to satisfy copyright requirements from publishers.