Penalties of up to five years' imprisonment may be imposed for the destruction, mutilation, concealment, or removal of records. Since many of the materials in the Archives are fragile, it is important that they be handled with great care. If a researcher fails to follow the procedures set forth below, the staff is authorized to take necessary actions, including refusing further use of records. Registration Researchers must be 18 years of age or older. New researchers are required to complete a registration form and present picture identification and proof of current address in order to use the collections.
Registration is updated annually.
All researchers are required to sign the register daily. To maintain security of Virginia's irreplaceable documentary heritage, all personal items such as outer coats, bags, briefcases, purses, waist packs, backpacks, computer cases, packages, clipboards, notebooks in covers, portfolios, folders, or envelopes are not permitted in the research rooms. Computers, typewriters, tape recorders, and cameras may be used with permission. Public lockers are available. Only pencils, unbound note paper, legal pads, index cards, portable computers, and loose research notes are allowed at the work tables.