With its small staff, the Operational Archives Branch can only reply to written requests for information, sent by mail or fax. This Branch cannot respond to phone or email requests. Because of the overwhelming number of letters that the Operational Archives receives each week, the Archives has had to limit the amount of research which can be undertaken for any one individual. In Operational Archives' research room, archivists can help a researcher select indices and record collections that may contain pertinent documentation on a topic.
Visitors can use their own cameras to photograph documents, after checking with an archivist.
The Operational Archives can only provide limited photoduplication, a maximum of 50 pages per calendar year, for the cost listed on the fee schedule . Only checks or money orders, made payable to the Department of the Navy, can be accepted as payment. Because of the special nature of the records, the Operational Archives Branch has special rules for the researchers visiting the Archives. Paper and pencils will be provided. The use of pens is prohibited.