Visitor FAQ

Support for Visiting Scholars, Researchers, and Journalists is provided by the RSF Information Services Department. We supply books and articles on request, assist with data visualization, do newspaper searches and provide limited clerical support. We also coordinate the Wednesday seminar series. Please e-mail us at infoservices@rsage.org to make a request or ask a question.

Q: What is the RSF Visiting Scholar engagement policy?
A: We made a change to this policy in 2021-22. Read it in full here.
Q. Where can I get a document notarized?
A. Katie Winograd, our Research Librarian, is a notary. Contact her at katie@rsage.org. Suzanne Nichols, our Director of Publications, is a notary as well. Contact her at suzanne@rsage.org.
Q: How can I scan documents to pdf?
A: Both copiers in the 4th floor supply room can scan to pdf. We are happy to walk visitors through the scanning process or, if you prefer, do it for you. Drop documents into the 3rd floor copy/scan box and we’ll return them to you.
Q: Can I invite a colleague for a lunch meeting?
A: The Visiting Class may have vaccinated guests to lunch. Please note the number of guests when you sign in at the front desk in the morning—next to your name put + and the guest number. Guests are not allowed in the lunchroom. Please plan to eat with your visitors on our patio, in the Library, in the Wanner Room or in your office.
Q: Can I schedule a meeting with colleagues at RSF?
A: Visiting Class members may invite vaccinated outside colleagues to meetings at RSF. There are several meeting rooms available at the Foundation. Please email us at infoservices@rsage.org, and Galo Falchettore will assist you in both booking a room if you are not meeting in your office, and with any technical needs.
Q: How do I get access to books?
A: Send your request to infoservices@rsage.org. Katie Winograd, our research librarian, will confirm your request. We have borrowing agreements with NYU and Hunter College. We also purchase books through Amazon and borrow via interlibrary loan. In most cases you will have your book in 3 to 4 days.
Q: How long can I keep books I’ve borrowed?
A: We’ll renew books for you as long as possible – for NYU and Hunter books that’s usually several months or longer. For books obtained from other libraries via interlibrary loan the loan period is shorter. We’ll renew ILL books once if we can – and then we ask that you return them to us. If you still need the book we’ll get you a new copy.
Q: Can you get me an e-book?
A: Yes, we can send books to your e-mail address. And, most RSF books are online via JSTOR.
Q: What about getting articles?
A: You have two options. Our staff can retrieve specific articles. Any articles or other materials we locate for you will be saved to your folder on Box, our cloud storage site. Send your request to infoservices@rsage.org You can also use the online journals available through Hunter College. See Katie for login information.
Q: What data related services do you provide?
A: Our Technology Resources Associate, Galo Falchettore, can assist you with any exploratory data analysis or manipulation and data visualization with charts and maps.
Q: Can you help with creating a map, graph or chart with my data?
A: Yes, Galo can help you with your data visualization request. Check out some examples of his work.
Q: I may need some other assistance while working on my project. What services do you provide?
A: Most often we provide literature reviews, do newspaper searches, and locate historical materials. E-mail us at infoservices@rsage.org and we will do our best to assist you.
Q: I’d like to update or revise a PowerPoint presentation for my seminar. Can you help?
A: Katie Winograd will contact you a week before your seminar date to see if you would like any assistance. She and Galo Falchettore will be responsible for making sure your presentation runs smoothly. Feel free to get in touch earlier if you like. We encourage you to do a run-through of your presentation in the library a day or two before your scheduled seminar, and can set up a time for you.
Q: Can you help me with any copying, scanning, or faxing I might need?
A: The information services staff will be able to help you with these tasks. Please email us at infoservices@rsage.org.
Q: What’s in the RSF library?
A: Our library on the first floor consists primarily of RSF books, some reference materials, and a selection of magazines and social science journals. Feel free to browse or search via our online catalog. If you need a print copy of an RSF book, let us know. Most RSF books are available in e-format through JSTOR.
Q: Can you help if I need office supplies?
A: Basic office supplies are in the fourth floor copy room. If there’s anything else you need, please contact Sage Overslei-North at sage.north@rsage.org (ext 215) or Tina Arboleda at tina@rsage.org (ext 214).
Q: How do I send a letter or package?
A: Put any outgoing mail in the tray on the third floor across from the elevators. We can send via USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
Q: Have recent changes in the tax law affected the RSF visiting class?
A: Yes. Please note–prior to 2018, certain unreimbursed business expenses such as travel and temporary living expenses were deductible. Under tax laws effective 2018, these costs are no longer deductible. For further clarification, we encourage you to consult with your tax advisor.