I sent an email to Dana at the UN Library asking about the pass situation and what is involved in getting one. Here is her response --
The procedure for a library pass is the following: the interested party needs to fill out an application form and supply a letter of recommendation in support of the research. If the needed material is not available in a UN depository library (the list of depository libraries is posted at: http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/deplib/countries/), the application is approved and sent to UN Security. UN Security checks the application and, if approval is granted, instructs the Pass Office to issue a library pass for the applicant.The issuance of a library pass is independent of NGO status or any other status. There has been no change in the library pass policy in general; however, please be advised that, as a consequence of the September 11 attacks, no library passes are being issued for the time being while the security situation at the UN is being studied.
NGO representatives with UN grounds pass do not need to apply for a library pass since the grounds pass will allow them to use the UN Library. Actions on grounds passes, which provide access to UN Headquarters facilities in general (including, but not limited to, the UN Library), are not initiated by the library and we have no information about past and/or present practices. The UN Library exclusively deals with library passes which entitle the bearer only to access to the library, not to other facilities at UN Headquarters.
For access options for NGOs, please contact the NGO Section:
NGO Section
Department of Public Information
Room S-1070 L
New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 963-6842
Fax: (212) 963-6914Best regards,
Dana LoytvedSenior Reference Librarian
UN/SA Reference Desk
United Nations Library, New York
E-mail: [email protected]
Some of her comments are word for word in what I have seen before, but there are a few new comments I believe...