Research Usage Policies

Arlington Community Archives Research Usage Policies

• Material from the Community Archives does not circulate and must be used in the Research Room.
• Briefcases, backpacks, coats, and all items not needed for research must be stored in the lockers adjacent to the reference desk.
• Researchers must sign the register daily and present valid photo identification.
• Prior to receiving access to collection material, researchers must complete a research application.
• Please exercise care and good judgment in handling collection material.
  • Use a pencil only.
  • Use only one box or folder at a time.
  • Maintain the filing order of the materials within each file and box.
  • Do not trace or rub any portion of a map, photograph, or document.
  • Use gloves for handling original photographs, not protected in Mylar sleeves. White cotton gloves will be provided by the staff.
• A copy machine is available for patron use. Please obtain permission to copy archival materials.
• Photograph reproductions and scans of images in the collection are possible, with restrictions, for a fee. Patron-owned scanners are prohibited, and digital photography by patrons is prohibited except for oversized maps and plat books. Please speak to the staff for details and reproduction costs.
• The patron is responsible for obtaining any necessary copyright interests and/or literary rights from the owners/donors/heirs pursuant to publishing any work which cites, reproduces, or interprets non-published materials. The Library will not assume responsibility for infringement or libel.
• All published works, research papers, and exhibits that are based on, have reproductions of, or have been interpreted from the Center for Local History's non-published holdings must give credit to: "Center for Local History, Arlington Public Library".