How to Use the Archives
Research can be initiated in person, by telephone, by mail, or e-mail. If you wish to use archival holdings on-site, please contact us before visiting.
If you're planning to visit us, please note the following information.
Rules and Regulations
Before using our archival holdings, every researcher must present a researcher identification card. To obtain this card, all applicants must:
- show official identification with a photograph, such as a driver's license, passport, school, or business ID card.
- complete a short form giving name, address, telephone number, and a brief description of the proposed research topic.
A researcher ID card, valid for 1 year and renewable, is then issued.
- The card must be presented during each research visit.
- The card cannot be issued in advance of your visit.
- A researcher ID card is not required to view records or search databases in the microfilm reading room.
- Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Only paper, pencils, and laptop computers may be used for note taking. Scanners must meet NARA requirements. Cameras may be used to photograph documents, but flash photography is prohibited. Briefcases, pocketbooks, bags, and other personal items must be checked in a locker or returned to your vehicle. Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted in the Research Room.
Cellular telephone conversations are prohibited in the research rooms.
Microfilm
Our self-service microfilm reading room operates on a reservation system.
- Researchers should call
773-948-9020 and ask to reserve a microfilm reader. (We don't accept reservations via e-mail.)
- Researchers using microfilm don't need a
researcher's ID card.
- Use the Microfilm Locator database to search microfilm holdings at the Great Lakes Region and nationwide.
Photocopying
- The availability of photocopies depends on the physical condition of the documents.
For preservation concerns, we don't offer a self-service copying option for original records. However, self-service microfilm-to-paper copying is available.
- Self-service microfilm copies: $0.50 per page
- Staff-made copies: $0.75 per page
- Certified copies: $15.00 per certification
- Mail Order: $15.00 minimum
- We accept cash, money order, personal check (payable to the National Archives Trust Fund), and credit cards. (Please see our Privacy Policy)
Upon request, staff will make or arrange for copies of oversized documents, certified copies for legal use, photographs, or other specialized copies. Fees vary depending on size and type of reproduction.
Tips for Handling Our Holdings
When you examine anything in our holdings, it's necessary to keep it in the original order, even if this order makes no sense to you.
To prevent accidental misplacement or rearrangement of files, examine only one box and one folder at a time.
Staff will provide cotton gloves if you're handling photographs or other materials that need
special care.
Ink poses a serious risk to original documents, so you'll need to use a pencil for taking notes.
Our staff can provide you with a pencil if needed.
Take care to avoid accidental damage to the documents.
Never place your notepaper on top of a document you're studying or use your pencil as a pointer.
Tracing documents is not permitted.
PDF files require the free Adobe Reader.
More information on Adobe Acrobat PDF files is available on our Accessibility page.
Fax:
(773) 948-9050
Mailing Address:
Learn how to research our records in ARC.