The Vatican Library: The Rules

I have begun to focus on the current library. I have been looking at the collection, staff and using the library. I would one day love to be able to go and use the library although this is very unlikely as you need to be an academic with a particular purpose. University students are not normally admitted unless they are completing a thesis. Exceptions are sometimes made but you need a letter from the University stating they accept responsibility for their actions and they are able to handle the precious materials with care. As well as having a particular purpose and being an academic there needs to be space available. At least, I would love to visit the Vatican and see the buildings, art work etc.

There is a lot of information once again to sort through. I continue to find the Vatican internet site as my main source of information.

Outlined below are the main rules for using the library.

Rules to be admitted to the library

Qualified researchers and scholars from around the world, particularly professors and researchers from universities and other institutions of higher education, and other learned persons known for their writings and scholarly publications, are admitted without distinction of race, religion, origin or culture.

The prerequisites for admission are the availability of space and adequate training, documented and attested by an accredited academic institution.

It is also tradition that readers indicate the nature of their research project.

Once you have been granted admission you must agree to follow the rules as outlined below.

You are required to

Treat all materials, particularly manuscripts, with the utmost care and extreme delicacy, protecting them from any type of damage
Observe strict silence not only in the reading rooms, but within the entire premises, conversing only in the courtyard or in the Library bar.
Refrain from disturbing the study and work of other readers, e. g. by talking or by using any kind of noisy equipment.
Wear attire appropriate for an ancient institution of culture and study.
Turn off mobile phones
Behave in a dignified manner.

You are not allowed to

Reproduce photos or sound recordings
Bring or use scissors, knives, razor blades, razors, matches, adhesive paper, glue, bottles of ink or correction fluid.
Smoke (except in courtyard 3)
Eat or drink (except in the Library bar)