NARA Proposes New Researcher ID Cards

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that will require researchers using original records, NARA microfilm, and public use computers at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, to obtain a researcher identification card.

The proposed rule also updates existing regulations to reflect changes in available technology and research room practices, such as abolishing the three-hour time limit for using microfilm readers.

Comments are due by November 24, 2009.

To see the proposed rule and for details concerning the submission of comments click here.

2 thoughts on “NARA Proposes New Researcher ID Cards

  1. NARA’s proposal does not identify if there are quantifiers for ‘researchers’ or if it is the eqiivalent of a library card. Security of NARA’s collection is crutial and supplying a mechanism for tracking items is a logical step. I hope that it will not be used to set perameters at who has access though.

  2. NARA already requires researcher identification cards for original records. If you read the proposal, it clearly states the change only applies to microfilm researchers, who are not currently required to register.

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