The Research Hall was designed to provide the best possible environment for both the researchers who use it and the records they use.

It is our responsibility to provide access to our records for current users and also to protect these records for the future. To ensure these goals, we ask our researchers to follow a few reasonable guidelines. By signing the Application for Research Privileges and the Researcher Card (which you will fill out when you visit the Archives), you agree that you will follow these guidelines:

1. We need to know who our users are, what their needs are and which records they are currently using. It is, therefore, vital that you register on your first visit, and sign in and out each day that you use the Research Hall. A Researcher Card, valid for the calendar year, will be presented to you when you register, and you must use the number on this card when signing in and when requesting archival documents.

2. To preserve the physical and intellectual integrity of these historical records we ask that you:

• do not remove records from the Research Hall;
• maintain documents in the order in which they are arranged within each file and within each box;
• use only one file at any one time;
• make no marks or erasures on any records;
• always use cotton gloves when handling photographs;
• use only acid-free bookmarks (supplied in a tray at the front of the Research Hall) if you need to note the location of individual records in files for copying or other purposes;
• never use adhesive post-it notes on documents.

3. When making photocopies, please complete the form provided, and pay for the copies at the Reference Desk.

Be aware that you may use copies solely for research or private study. Use for any other purposes may require the authorization of the copyright owner (which may or may not be the Archives). You assume full responsibility for locating the copyright owner and obtaining any necessary authorization for publication, broadcast, website use, or any use other than research or private study.

4. To avoid damage to the documents, you must not bring overcoats, purses, briefcases, knapsacks, food and drinks into the Research Hall. You may store jackets, bags and personal supplies in the lockers while you are in the Research Hall, but all items must be removed before you leave for the day. Lockers are not to be used for long-term or overnight storage.

5. Please use only pencils to take notes. Pens and other permanent markers are not permitted in the Research Hall. Pencils may be borrowed from the Reference Desk.

6. You should also be aware that the Research Hall is monitored by a video security system.

7. As a courtesy to other researchers, please turn off cell phones while you are working in the Research Hall. There is a phone for the use of researchers on the wall of the map room. Please keep your calls brief.

If you refuse to follow these guidelines, you may be asked to leave the Archives. Your continuing co-operation will help us to do our best to help you. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact the Archives.