HARC Intern & Student Hub
Heritage and Research Center at Saint Mary's • Quick links, essential rules, and stacks storage guidelines for all interns and student workers.
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Core Rules
As a HARC intern or student worker, you are part of the team that preserves and provides access to irreplaceable archival collections. These four expectations apply at all times.
- Respect the materials, researchers, and staff. Handle all collection materials with care and professionalism. Treat every person in the Center with courtesy.
- Communicate changes, updates, or requests promptly. If something is unclear, damaged, missing, or out of order — say something right away. Do not wait.
- Follow preservation and processing standards. Use the guides and workflows provided. When in doubt, ask before acting.
- Always represent the Center professionally. You are an ambassador for HARC. Your conduct reflects on the Center, the College, and the congregations we serve.
Stacks Rules & Guidelines
In an archive, the term "stacks" refers to the storage areas where fragile and rare materials are housed — not the public reading room where researchers work. The most fundamental archival stack rule is that public access to stacks is forbidden.
- Closed stacks: Researchers are not allowed in the stacks, record storage areas, or other staff-only locations. Staff retrieves and reshelves materials on a researcher's behalf.
- Material order: All materials must be kept in their original order. Using placeholders is required to mark where a folder or item was removed, so it can be returned correctly. If a document appears to be out of place, notify a staff member instead of rearranging it yourself.
- Flat surfaces only: Archival materials must remain flat on a table and should not be placed on laps, chairs, or the floor. Do not lean, rest arms, or place notebooks on top of documents.
- Limited retrieval: Researchers are typically limited to using 1–4 boxes of materials at a time to reduce the risk of items being misplaced.
- No food, drink, or gum: The absolute ban on food and beverages is a universal rule to prevent spills and to avoid attracting pests that could damage the collection.
- No pens or ink: Only pencils are permitted for taking notes, as ink can cause permanent damage to documents. Pens, markers, and highlighters are strictly prohibited.
- No damaging materials: The use of sticky notes, paperclips, and other fasteners is forbidden. Researchers may not fold, tear, or mark documents in any way.
⚠️ Restrictions on publication: Reproduction of materials does not transfer copyright or publication rights. Any use beyond personal research requires a formal request and permission.
Need Help?
If you have questions about your assignment, need clarification on procedures, or encounter something unexpected — reach out. We are here to support your work and your learning.