The Registrar's Office at the New York Public Library manages a robust outgoing loan program. We are responsible for all logistics and coordination of loans from the four Research Libraries to the borrowing institutions. Lending to different institutions accross the US and around the world allows our collection to be available to and enjoyed by many different audiences. We would not be able to reach these audiences without this important partnership with other institutions. This year alone we are lending to more than 25 different exhibitions!
We do have stringent requirements for temperature, humidity, light levels, security, insurance, and exhibition display. Borrowing institutions must submit an acceptable facility report in order to demonstrate their ability to properly care for our works. These requirements are similar to what most museums and similar research libraries put in place when lending to other institutions. We work closely with professionals from the borrowing institutions and ensure the safety of our collections at all times.
Right now here in New York City you can enjoy some of our works on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Photography and the American Civil War exhibition. We have 12 albumen silver print photographs from our Photography Collection in the show.
Make sure you visit the Met and look for our collections items in the exhibition.