It is always a good idea to telephone in advance of a visit as you may need to book time on a viewer to look at sources such as the census or old newspapers. It is essential that teachers who wish to make more specialised use of the service make an initial contact by telephone to find out what can be done to help them. Staff of archive services usually welcome approaches from teachers, not least because they realise that their pupils may be the users and depositors of the future. Responses will vary according to the particular circumstances of each individual service. Some will have a member of staff with special responsibility for education who will be able to deal directly with your request.
Teachers can consult indexes and catalogues by name, place and subject.
Documents can usually be photocopied, generally for a charge. A general talk and introduction to the archive service for small groups of teachers or pupils can often be arranged. The services of an education officer, this may be an experienced teacher or a member of the archives staff with a designated responsibility for education. Packs or publications for purchase, often related to the National and Scottish Curriculum. Visits to the archives by groups of children for workshop sessions, possibly in a separate room.