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Researchers are reminded that they are working with historical archival records which are unique and often very fragile. In order to protect this material, we ask that the following conditions be observed:

1. Coats, briefcases, parcels, personal books, etc. must be left in the designated area near the Security Desk.

2. Eating, gum chewing, and drinking are prohibited in the Reference Room. There are no public smoking areas in the building.

3. Please refrain from wearing any fragrances. Some researchers are highly sensitive to certain fragrances, and are unable to use the Reference Room if a fellow researcher is wearing fragrance.

4. No ink in any form may be used in the Reference Room. Only pencils can be used for taking notes, however, you may bring in lap top computers or cassette recorders.

5. Printed books, manuscripts, and government records are delivered to researchers in the Reference Room upon submission of a call slip for each item required. Normally, only four items will be supplied to a researcher at one time.

6. When you have completed your first batch of call slips place them in the small black box on the retrievals desk. Staff will then retrieve the material for you and place it on the desk for pick-up. Pick up materials promptly. It's a good idea to note what you have ordered so that you will know which material is yours.

7. All archival records must be handled carefully. While it is in your custody, you are responsible for it.

8. The oils from the skin can damage or stain fragile records and publications. Therefore the use of gloves may be required when handling these items.

9. Please:

   • do not place open volumes face down;
   • remove only one folder at a time from a document case;
   • do not mark or re-arrange the papers in any way;
   • do not use "stickies" as markers;
   • do not trace maps or other records;
   • do not lay paper for note taking on top of documents.

10. Be advised, a large volume of our records are stored off site. Requests must be submitted by 1030 hours for same day retrieval (afternoon delivery) of these records. Requests submitted after that time will be delivered the following afternoon. It is recommended that you check with Access staff to determine which records are stored off-site, so that you may make the most efficient use of your research time.

11. Return the material to the desk when you are finished with it. If you will be using it again the next day you may ask to have it put on hold.

12. Material must not be removed from the Reference Room.

13. If you require photocopying, fill out the appropriate forms marking pages as necessary with white slips and return them with the volume or box. .Maintain the original order of the records at all times. Please allow up to two weeks for the processing of your order. See additional information on Copying and Reproduction Services. The BC Archives observes current Canadian copyright legislation. See Copyright Considerations

The Archives can be a very busy place. We will be able to give you more assistance if you organize your research time well.

See Also: Reference Room - Orientation Map

Group Visits

Group research visits or orientations should be arranged by contacting the Outreach Coordinator at 250-387-2970 at least seven days before a visit. Groups may bring their own instructor, or book an orientation with the Outreach Coordinator. These one-hour orientations are available on Wednesdays on a limited basis for small groups of 10 or less who plan to conduct research at the BC Archives. The BC Archives does not offer a public tour programme.

Inquiries:	Inquiries related to archival holdings, specific records, access, research, or reproduction orders may be submitted via electronic form or Email, as well as by mail or fax.
Home Page:	http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca	This Page:	http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/general/orientgd.htm
Last Modified:	Monday, 12-Jun-2006 14:21:32 PDT	Maintained by:	webmaster@www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca
Copyright:	Information on this site is provided for research purposes only. Please review Access and Usage.  Unless indicated otherwise, this page and all contents are Copyright ©, BC Archives, Royal BC Museum.
Records Classification: This site is classified and scheduled under ORCS 15100-25