![]() For example, we are unable to pull records for use in advance of your arrival. We can provide you with information about NARA procedures.Hours of operation are established by each facility. We can provide information about hours of operation and holidays.What are some of the other reasons to contact the National Archives in advance? NARA understands that the absence of complete finding aids can be frustrating to researchers, but by writing in advance, some of the problems may be overcome. ![]() The same is true for locating files relating to esoteric topics. Researchers may have to request additional information from the agency of origin, and NARA staff may have to consult transfer documentation, printouts, preliminary finding aids, and classified indexes to assist in locating files of interest. This cannot be done effectively on an ad hoc basis while researchers wait in the Research Room. Until the goal is met, locating specific bodies of records transferred to the National Archives, especially those transferred recently, can often involve a time-consuming, multi-step process involving both researchers and NARA staff. While it is our ultimate goal, not all textual records are fully processed, with full descriptions and complete finding aids. Not all of our textual records are readily available NARA by statutory mandate protects and controls access to this kind of information everyday because like you, we do not want such private and personal information released to the public at large.įor this reason the records may only be accessible to the general public by a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request. Another example are grant and medical case files. The most obvious example is social security numbers. This information is known legally as Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Textual records transferred to NARA within the last 10 years have the potential to contain a living individuals personal information. NARA takes very seriously the protection of individual privacy rights. ![]() Our staff assists researchers with their work by providing information about the records, but we do not undertake substantive research for researchers.Ĭontacting us ahead of time is especially necessary if a researcher is interested in more recent records (1950s and later) records of agencies that deal with more sensitive government functions (such as the USIA, the Peace Corps, Treasury and Justice, the FBI, and the intelligence agencies) records for which there is only incomplete or partial identification (agency-assigned numbers, such as Department of State "Lot File" numbers that do not always carry over into use by the National Archives) and records that have only recently been transferred to the National Archives. Please note, however, that NARA staff cannot undertake research for you. If researchers have complex questions that require an in depth consultation, they should write even sooner. It is best to receive a reply from our staff that specialize in the records prior to an onsite visit. This allows time for the staff to administer the request, conduct the necessary background work, and to prepare and send a response. A good rule of thumb is to write a minimum of 4 weeks before you plan to arrive and conduct research. ![]() Keep in mind that when you contact far enough in advance our reference staff will then have sufficient time to respond. Making contact before visiting can help the staff prepare researchers for what they will find and help smooth the process once they arrive at Archives II. Please send the same reference inquiry to only one address to avoid confusion and duplication of work. We strongly encourage researchers to contact the National Archives before making a research visit. It is a good idea to contact us ahead of your visit As part of our reference service, we provide information about the records, make copies of the records for a fee, and make records available for use in our research rooms. Our mission is to preserve the records for posterity and make them available. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the depository of the permanently valuable non-current records of the Federal Government. National Archives at College Park: Before You Visit Before you Visit
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