The following procedures and processes for conducting on-site research at the Ford Library are in effect.

Research Room Operations:

• The research room is open Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. by scheduled appointment only. Appointments are made on a first come, first served basis, following consultation with an archivist.
• The Library is closed on Federal holidays. View a list of Federal Holidays and Research Room Closings here.

Research Appointments:

• Researchers must consult with an archivist by submitting an email with preliminary information to ford.library@nara.gov.
• Appointments are for an entire day.
• Each researcher may book up to one appointment at a time, which can be for one to five days during a week.
• Appointments will be confirmed at least two days prior to the researcher’s arrival.

Available Resources:

• Researchers may use the public access computers, microfiche reader, and self-service photocopier.
• Paper for taking notes will be provided. When possible, researchers are encouraged to take notes using their phone, tablet, laptop, or other device.
• Researchers may bring their own equipment (on the approved NARA list) to copy materials and should discuss the options for reproducing specific materials during the consultation process.
• Lockers are available for researchers to store their personal belongings while conducting research.

Researcher Registration:

• Researcher registration will be necessary for first time researchers and for researchers with expired researcher cards.
• To register or renew a researcher card:
  • Ford Library staff will send the research application form and orientation materials to the researcher, instructing them to review the material prior to their visit.
  • If a researcher does not complete the orientation prior to arrival at the Library, they may complete the registration overview on-site using the Ford Library’s public access computers or through the Library’s Wi-Fi on their phone, tablet, or laptop.
  • Researchers will need to present a government issued ID card to the registration staff to be issued a researcher ID card.

Requesting Materials:

• Researchers will provide an initial list of up to 10 boxes to pull in advance of their visit.
• For the initial request, pull slips will be filled out by Ford Library staff members to ensure material is pulled before the researcher arrives at the facility. Researchers will fill out their own pull slips for any additional pulls.
• Advanced consultation with staff is required to access to specially protected holdings or to submit large review-on-demand requests.

Exit Inspection:

• Upon completion of research, Ford Library staff will inspect each researcher’s personal property for record material. This includes laptops, scanners, and other equipment where record material could be mistakenly placed.

 

Last Updated: April 23, 2024