Library Policies
Access to the library, circulation of library materials, using online library services, and interlibrary loan.Access to library services
Library services are available to:
- Staff at all NARA facilities
- Archives and records management professionals
- Researchers
NARA staff:
Staff of all NARA facilities may borrow library materials.
Contact the library reference desks at 301-837-3415 or 202-357-5018.
- 28 days for books and government documents.
- 2 weeks for audiovisual training materials.
- 1 week for current software manuals.
- Renewals are usually allowed if no reserve is pending.
- Reference Materials
- Journals
(Photocopies of articles can be provided to NARA staff.) - Microforms
- New Books stay on the reserved shelf about two months
(Staff may place reserves on new items and be notified when items are released for circulation.)
Researchers:
Researchers are welcome to visit the libraries in Washington, D.C. and College Park, MD.- The library does not circulate material to individuals other than NARA staff. Request materials via your local library.
- Materials can be used on-site in the library and other research rooms.
- Photocopiers are available.
- Call ahead (301-837-3415) to reserve items for use on Saturdays.
For NARA staff:
The Library can obtain material on interlibrary loan for NARA staff.Contact the library reference desks at 301-837-3415 or 202-357-5018 or by e-mail.
- Loans must be work related.
- Books, articles, and sometimes microforms can be obtained.
- No reference books or complete journals can be obtained.
- Fill time is generally 2 to 4 weeks.
- Loan period is 2 to 8 weeks depending on the lender's policies.
- Renewals may be allowed according to the policy of lending library.
Loans to other libraries:
- The library is a lender of last resort.
- Interlibrary loans may not be requested via OCLC;
FAX ALA form to 301-837-0459. - The library does not lend microforms. NARA Census microfilm publications may be obtained through The NARA Microfilm Rental Program. Other microfilm may also be purchased: see Request More Information or Order Copies
Some paid subscription databases linked to this web site are restricted to use by NARA staff only. Those databases are marked with the icon
NARA staff outside the Washington, D.C. area may call 301-837-3415 or e-mail the library to request searches if they are
unable to access the subscription databases.Other users of this web site should contact their local public or university libraries to find out how they may access the subscription databases.
Both staff and researchers may use services and CD-ROMS on-site in the two libraries.
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