Short answer: Yes, for those with a specific need related to our library holdings and collections. Visitors are encouraged to contact medref@tulane.edu prior to visit and should check in with Security on the first floor of the building upon entering. Our full Public Access Policy is copied below.
Public Access Policy
The Rudolph Matas Library is a private library in a restricted access building, whose primary mission is to serve the students, faculty and staff of Tulane University Health Sciences programs. The Matas Library does welcome those with a specific need related to the library holdings and collections. We ask that a letter stating the need and purpose be provided from the business, firm or library referring the user. Researchers should contact the Library Services Desk for an appointment, especially when planning a research trip from out of town. Researchers planning to work in the Matas Library on nights and weekends should also plan in advance so that the security desk will allow them entrance to the building.
A related Computer Use Policy applies to the computers provided for library research and as a means of access to the Library's online catalog and digital resources.
Other User Groups
The Matas Library welcomes LSUHSC graduate students and faculty with LSUHSC ids. We have reciprocal borrowing between the Ische Library and the Matas Library. LSUHSC users must be registered users of the Ische Library and must register with the Matas Library to charge materials. Physicians and health practitioners may check out materials by registering with the Matas Library and providing a copy of their medical license.
Tulane Affiliates
Tulane students, faculty, and staff are given priority assistance. Tulane students, faculty and staff affiliated with programs supported by the Tulane libraries on the uptown campus, such as undergraduate programs, business and law are entitled to all services and privileges except interlibrary loan. Tulane health sciences alumni in health sciences practices are entitled to most services except interlibrary loan, document delivery, and off-campus access to research databases.
Visiting Researchers
For use of the Matas print collections, visitors and special borrowers may expect basic assistance that includes a brief introduction to searching the local catalog and/or another resource most appropriate to the visitor's needs. For use of the unique materials at Special Collections, visitors and special borrowers should visit by pre-arrangement . Contact the Matas Library so that needed assistance with materials in the historic collections may be scheduled as staff time permits.
Visitors and special borrowers served by other local libraries are expected to use their home library for in-depth instruction or detailed help with research topics.
LoansomeDoc and Research Services for Outside Patrons
LoansomeDoc is an available document delivery service for unaffiliated physicians or other outside patrons, including alumni that do not have a library needing PubMed journal articles or searches. A contract with the Matas Library is required and there is a fee per request.
Use of the Library by minors below the age of 14 unaccompanied by an adult is not permitted at any time.
