General Information
The Archives manages all research, retrieval, and reference use of archived information by staff, institutional and committee members, and qualified external users. Analytical summaries in response to internal questions about NAS-NRC history are provided on request; similar services may be provided to external researchers when appropriate. Requests for research and reference assistance should be directed to the Archives staff.

The Archives is open to researchers pursuing specific projects requiring documentary information on the history of the National Academies. Because of staffing and resource constraints, we cannot accommodate visits for browsing only. Records more than 25 years old are generally open to researchers. Certain categories of privileged records are excepted, such as fraternal papers, fellowship materials, case files, personnel files, report review files, and proprietary information.

Arranging a Research Visit
The Archives is open to researchers affiliated with the Academy Complex upon request. Researchers unaffiliated with the Academy Complex must contact the Archives staff in advance to set up an appointment for a research visit. The archivists can be reached at 202.334.2418 or 202.334.2414. We cannot accommodate drop-in visitors. Archives hours are 9:30-4:00 Monday through Friday; we are closed for Federal holidays.

The National Academies Archives office is located at 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW, in Room 234; entrance to the building is at 2100 C Street. (For directions to the building in which the Archives is located, click here.) Please note that mail should be sent to our Fifth Street address, as shown below.

Use of Materials
Materials are kept in closed stacks and can only be used in the reading room. Archives staff will retrieve and remove materials at the researcher's request. Many of the collections are organized and feature completed finding aids; other collections may be semi-organized but accessible. Archives staff can assist researchers in use of finding aids and in location of relevant records.

Photocopying
Photocopying of archival materials open to research is allowed contingent on the condition of the materials. Arrangements may be made for Archives staff to make photocopies of eligible materials and to post them to the requesting researcher. Such services are contingent on the size of the request, the nature of the document(s), and the availability of staff.

In order to cover costs of search and retrieval, a minimum of $5 will be charged for this service.

Scanners & Digital Cameras
Scanners and digital cameras are allowed in the Archives. As with photocopying, reproduction of archival materials by scanning or digital photography is contingent on the condition of the materials.

Photograph Reproduction
The National Academies Archives offers a limited photographic reproduction service. Researchers may arrange to obtain prints of photographs in our collections for which the National Academies hold the copyright. Fees are contingent on availability of negatives, turn-around time, and print size, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Digital scans of photographs can be provided by Archives staff contingent on the size of the request and staff availability.

Cell Phones
Use of cell phones is prohibited in the Archives reading room. Ringers must be switched off while in the reading room.

Archives@nas.edu