No special forms are required to borrow materials from the library. Members simply state, as specifically as possible, the subject or topic about which they desire information. Include any author, title, or other bibliographic data you have. It may be helpful if you also indicate the source of your references -- the library staff may be better able to help if you mention, for example, that the pamphlet you are seeking was referred to in an article that appeared in the June 1989 issue of The American Philatelist.

The APRL card catalogue is a computerized system and is now available online. In addition to the card catalogue, the APRL uses the Piper File, an index of a limited number of philatelic periodicals from the 1880s through the late 1960s. The library will photocopy Piper File holdings on your topic, so you can select appropriate periodical articles.

When members borrow materials that they will have to return to the APRL through the mail, the library provides a return mailing label and a signature confirmation form. ALL LIBRARY MATERIALS MUST BE RETURNED USING SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION, unless you are notified of insured coverage requirements.

The APRL provides photocopies in compliance with U.S. Code Title 17 (copyright code).

Member User Fees
To cover the costs incurred in providing library services through the mail, fees are:

• Base fee: $10 per shipment/request (includes up to 15 minutes of staff time)
  
• Books: $3 for the first book, $1 for each subsequent book, and $.25 per page for any photocopies
  
• Photocopies: (without any books) -- 15 copies included in the base fee plus $.25 per page afterwards
  
• Extensive photocopies/research requests. After the initial 15 minutes included in the base fee, $20 per hour, billed in half-hour increments.

If we anticipate that a request will require additional time (long photocopy requests, etc.) we will notify the requestor by e-mail whenever possible.

Non-Members are charged a $5 fee in addition to member fees.