On this page:

Registration & Access
Belongings & Security
Conduct & Behavior
Use of Records
Technology & Internet
Copying & Photos
Hours & Circulation
Restrictions & Copyright
Enforcement

The Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room at the Delaware Public Archives is open to the public. To ensure the preservation of records and a safe, respectful environment for all visitors, the following rules and procedures apply to all researchers and patrons.

Researcher Registration & Access

Personal Belongings & Security

  • Jackets, coats, hats, purses, bags, boxes, briefcases, satchels, valises, and other containers are not permitted in the Research Room.
  • Lockers are provided in the main lobby. Items too large for lockers must be surrendered to Research Room staff.
  • Personal belongings must be removed from lockers at the end of each day unless prior permission is granted.
  • The Delaware Public Archives is not responsible for loss or theft of items stored in lockers.
  • All persons and lockers are subject to inspection upon exit.

Conduct & Behavior

  • Visitors must not engage in disruptive, illegal, threatening, or harassing behavior.
  • Talking loudly or otherwise disturbing other researchers is prohibited.
  • Children must not be left unattended.
  • Animals are not permitted, except for service animals.
  • Smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco products is prohibited.
  • Food and beverages are not permitted in the Research Room.
  • Audio or video devices may only be used with earphones.
  • Appropriate attire is required. Shoes and shirts are mandatory. Obscene or profane language is prohibited. Pants must be worn properly with undergarments not visible.

Use of Records & Materials

  • Researchers must exercise all possible care to prevent damage to records.
  • Records may not be removed from folders, rearranged, leaned on, written on, folded, traced or handled roughly.
  • Documents must not be removed from mylar sleeves or protective enclosures.
  • Exceptionally valuable or fragile materials may only be used under conditions specified by staff.
  • Researchers may be required to wear gloves when handling certain materials.
  • The number of materials provided at one time is determined by Research Room staff.

Note-Taking, Technology & Internet Use

  • Notes must be taken in pencil only. Ink of any kind is prohibited.
  • Scanners are prohibited.
  • Permitted items include paper, pencils, laptops, tablets, thumb drives, notes, and cameras.
  • Research Room computers and Wi-Fi are available for approved research purposes only.
  • Use of computers and Wi-Fi constitutes consent to the State Information Transport Network Acceptable Use Policy.
  • Violations of the Internet Access Policy will result in revocation of user privileges.

Photocopying, Scanning & Photography

  • All photocopying and scanning of records is performed by Research Room staff using Archives equipment.
  • Researchers must not remove items from folders for copying.
  • Materials available on microfilm or in digital form will be copied from those formats.
  • Items unsuitable for photocopying will be reproduced by alternative methods determined by staff.
  • Researchers may take photographs using personal cameras or phones without flash and only with staff permission.

Hours, Closing Procedures & Circulation

  • All records and copy requests must be returned to staff at least 15 minutes before closing.
  • Staff stop pulling records 30 minutes before closing.
  • All holdings are non-circulating and may not be removed from the Research Room.
  • Removing, mutilating, defacing, destroying, or stealing records is prohibited by law and punishable under 11 Del. Code § 873 and § 876.
  • Some materials may be restricted by statute, executive order, donor agreement, or creating agency.
  • Research Room staff will advise researchers of applicable restrictions at the time of request.
  • Responsibility for copyright compliance rests with the researcher.
  • Intent to publish archival materials must be requested in writing prior to publication.
  • A copy of any published work using Delaware Public Archives materials must be donated to the Archives.

Enforcement & Loss of Privileges

Visitors who fail to observe these rules may be directed to correct their behavior. Failure to comply may result in removal from the building, revocation of Research Room privileges, or denial of future access for a period determined by the State Archivist.

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