Operational Archives Branch Reference Policy
With its small staff, the Operational Archives Branch can only reply
to written requests for information, sent by mail or fax. This Branch cannot
respond to phone or email requests. Because of the overwhelming number of
letters that the Operational Archives receives each week, the Archives has
had to limit the amount of research which can be undertaken for any one
individual. For extensive research projects involving many documents, an
individual should plan to visit or arrange for
a representative to visit the Archives
on his/her behalf.
In Operational Archives' research room, archivists can help a researcher
select indices and record collections that may contain pertinent documentation
on a topic. The research room contains a small reference library; individual
desks; outlets for electric typewriters, personal computers, or tape recorders;
and a microfilm/fiche reader/printer. Visitors can use their own cameras
to photograph documents, after checking with an archivist. The Operational
Archives can only provide limited photoduplication, a maximum of 50 pages
per calendar year, for the cost listed on the fee schedule.
Only checks or money orders, made payable to the Department of the Navy,
can be accepted as payment.
Because of the special nature of the records, the Operational Archives
Branch has special rules for the researchers visiting the Archives. Those
that a visitor might want to know about before visiting are:
1. Researchers are required to leave coats, books, briefcases
and other items at the front desk. Paper and pencils will be provided. The
use of pens is prohibited.
2. Personal copiers are also prohibited.
3. If the records being used are unbound, only one file can be viewed at
a time. Special care should be taken to keep the documents in the order
which they are found in the folders.
4. Visitors can arrange with archivists to have records held for their use
for several days. When the researcher is finished with the records, please
inform staff members or the receptionist so the records can be refiled or
made available to other researchers.
5. Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted in the Research Room.
6. All notes, photocopies, and purses must to presented to the receptionist
for inspection before leaving.
Last update: 8 October 96