Your JCB Research Account
To consult material at the Library, you will need to create a JCB Research account. This account allows you to:
- Request materials for consultation at the Library
- Make appointments to consult materials (required for all research visits)
- Track the status of your requests
- Keep a record of the material you have requested.
You can create an account in advance of your visit to the Library by clicking the "First Time Users Click Here" button below, or our staff can assist you with registration upon your arrival.
Please note: you must create a JCB Research account in order to make a reading room appointment, which is required for all research visits.
Username and Password
You will be asked to provide a username and password for your account. Your username can be anything you like. Passwords must be at least eight characters long and contain a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, and a number. Passwords are encrypted and secure. Only you will know your password.
Requesting material
Once you have created a JCB Research account, you may request material for consultation in the reading room. We recommend that you place requests at least 24 hours in advance of your research visit.
Appointments
Appointments are required for all research shifts. Seating is limited, so same day appointments may not be available. Please reserve research shifts by using the Appointment function in your JCB Research account.
Using the Library
Researchers consult our collections in the W. Duncan MacMillan Reading Room under the supervision of Library staff.
On your first visit after creating your account, you will be asked to present a valid form of photographic identification, preferably government-issued, such as a driver's license or passport. A Brown University-issued id will also be acceptable.
We will ask you to renew your JCB Research account each year in order to update any information which may have changed.
Reading room regulations and handling procedures
- Please arrive with clean hands, washed with only soap and water. Lotions are to be avoided before handling materials as they contain harmful residues. Restrooms are available in the reading room.
- Food and drink are not permitted.
- Personal items-bags, briefcases, purses, and laptop cases must be stored in lockers. Please do not bring personal items to the reading tables on your way to the lockers.
- Only items required for note-taking and consultation are permitted at the reading tables. All material brought to the tables is subject to staff approval.
- Only pencils may be used for note-taking. Pencils and paper are available.
- Please silence all digital devices. You may use your phone for photography, but please turn off the flash and all sounds. Please do not take or make calls in the reading room.
- JCB staff members will set up and retrieve all material and provide handling instructions. Please do not pick up or carry materials from the tables.
- Keep materials in the supports provided and use book weights to hold items open. Do not lean or place personal belongings, paper, or other objects on top of materials.
- Please handle all materials as gently as possible; turn pages slowly and quietly.
- Do not attempt to unfold maps or illustrations bound within books, remove items from mylar enclosures, or handle delicate items. A staff member will be happy to assist you.
- When working with archival material, please remove only one folder at a time. Acid-free slips are available as placeholders.
- The JCB upholds the values of professional conduct outlined by Brown University. All researchers, visitors, and employees at the JCB are expected to comply with these communal values of dignity and respect, and discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be permitted.
About our registration systems
The John Carter Brown Library uses a secure, third-party system called Aeon to manage research accounts. Before registering, you may wish to read the
Aeon FAQ.
Data collection and use policy
The JCB may retain indefinitely information collected from your JCB Research account, including registration data, material requests, image orders, and publication requests, as well as related correspondence. This information is used for internal administrative and collection maintenance purposes. In addition, we may be required to provide information to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or governmental request; to detect, prevent or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues; and to protect the rights, property or safety of the Library, its users or others.
Agreement
By clicking the "First Time Users" button and creating a JCB Research Account, you acknowledge and agree to all of the terms and conditions above.
