The Bermuda Library has pulled several hundred locally-produced books and documents from its shelves.

Since its reopening earlier this month, library users have had to submit written requests to look at books, reports, periodicals and other materials which have been placed on the protected document list.

Head librarian Grace Rawlins yesterday explained to The Royal Gazette that library officials had to extend the rare document list because over the years some materials had been abused, stolen, and some were simply in fragile condition.

"Persons who are doing serious research can apply to us,'' Ms Rawlins said.

"They can write a letter to me with details, such as what materials they require, the reason, and when they require them.'' When the person visits the library to use the materials, she added, he or she must submit some form of identification which will be returned when the documents are returned and before the person leaves the library.

Library users will not be able to take the protected materials out of the recently-renovated facility.

"We have always had this kind of policy,'' Ms Rawlins insisted. "It's just that we have extended our rare materials list to include more books on Bermuda.

"In some instances these are one-of-kind documents. They cannot be replaced.

"We're not trying to be unfriendly. We don't want to discourage people from using the library. But we must be accountable. With a lot of this material, once it is gone, it is gone.'' Ms Rawlins noted that the protected materials included books, reports, periodicals, and articles on Bermuda.

And while she could not recall how many books were in this category, she said there were several hundred and they included a copy of the Guide to Bermuda's public parks and beaches and several census reports.

"This is not unusual,'' Ms Rawlins said of the protective policy. "Libraries all over the world do this.'' She pointed out that some libraries in other countries, such as the US, required the library user to have a letter from an institution of higher learning.

"Obviously the less stress put on them (protected materials), the better shape they will be in for the users,'' she noted.

Ms Rawlins said she had not received any complaints about the policy thus far and she did not believe it would hinder anyone using the library for research.

Serious researchers appreciated the policy and students rarely used the complex material, she added.