Toni Morrison has required the Library to make surrogate copies of all of her manuscripts (including typescripts, proofs, and notes) that are primarily part of the Writings series as well as her diaries (appointment books), including but not restricted to those damaged by fire in 1993. This is for conservation reasons, to prevent damage and deterioration by repeated use. Researchers are required to use digital surrogates in the reading room of the Special Collections. These include material found in boxes 1-11; 13-19; 22-29; 32-47; 50-56; 59-62, 64-66, 280-290, 291, 305-308, 311-318, 323, 325-326, 336, and P-000145.

A small amount of material is temporarily restricted at the request of the collection creator or due to the presence of personally identifiable or other legally protected information. This includes portions of the Academic Career series that are restricted until 75 years from the date of creation due to the presence of student and faculty/personnel records, including materials housed in boxes 105-109 and 112-114, as indicated at the file level. Some materials found within Correspondence, including Box 319; the Working Files series, including materials in boxes 183 and 184; Printed Matter, Box 223, Folder 53; and two floppy disks in Box 228 are also restricted as indicated at the file level.