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 desk by phone at 301-837-3415 or by e-mail.
Loan periods are:
- 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.
The library does not lend:
- 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 library.
- 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.
Interlibrary Loans
For NARA staff:
The library can obtain material on interlibrary loan for NARA staff.
Contact the library reference desk at 301-837-3415 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.
- Microfilm may also be purchased: see Request More Information or Order Copies
Online Databases
Paid subscription databases linked to this web site are restricted to use in NARA facilities only. Those databases are marked with the icon .
Other users of this web site should contact their local public or university libraries to find out how they may access the subscription databases.