Sadly, items have been taken, or reproduced without consent. Visitors to the Search Room of the Archives must fill out a registration form and produce some kind of photo-identification, such as a drivers' license. This gives the Archives a means of contact if a problem arises, and it assures the integrity of the visitor. Since they may carry into the Search Room only those materials necessary for their research, each guest is assigned a locker in which to store their coats, purses, tote bags, or briefcases. As usual, only pencils are used for notes, since ink has permanent consequences, even if it is used unintentionally.
Laptop computers present no problems, and are becoming more popular for genealogy research.
The State Archives use security cameras and close-circuit TV to view visitors while they are in the search rooms. Although this may cause you some discomfort, remember that, like financial institutions, the Archives is entrusted by its patrons, in this case the citizens, to keep their records safe for the present and for the future. 2000 Leister Productions Inc. All rights reserved.