Researcher's Ticket

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Before using archival and private archival records, it is necessary to register as a researcher and be issued with a Researcher's Ticket. Simply complete a registration form at the Enquiries Desk in the Battye Library or State Records Office Search Room. There is no charge for registration, but appropriate identification - such as a driver's licence or a passport - needs to be provided. As part of the registration process, researchers must also sign an agreement to abide by the "Conditions for the Use of Archival Records". A Researcher's Ticket is valid for 5 years if obtained from the Battye Library and for life if obtained from the State Records Office and must be produced each time records are requested.

Conditions for the Use of Archival Records

The following conditions apply to all clients who wish to access archival records:

1. A researcher's ticket must be issued to a researcher before access to archival material will be granted.
   
   
2. The ticket will be issued to researchers on their first visit to the Researchers' Room. It is not transferable, and must be shown to staff each time records are received.
   
   
3. Students up to and including Year 12 are not permitted to use original archival material unless accompanied by an adult.
   
   
4. When requesting private archival material, researchers should complete a call slip for each item. The call slip must be completed in full or delays may occur in retrieval. Up to five items will be retrieved at any one time, or more at the discretion of the staff.
   
   
5. Records are retrieved from the Archives stack area every half hour, Monday to Thursday 9.30am-7.30pm, Friday 9.30am-4.00pm and weekends 10.30am-4.00pm.
   
   
6. Researchers are asked to respect the physical integrity of the records while handling them, e.g.
   
   • Records are not to be marked or damaged.
   • Loose papers in files should be left in their original order.
   • Pencils only are to be used for note taking.
   • Use of post-it notes is not allowed.
     
     
7. Researchers agree to comply with any privacy conditions that may apply when they access the records.
   
   
8. Some material may be photocopied if requested. Approval for photocopying must be sought from staff and photocopying is only undertaken by staff. As a general rule the following material will not be photocopied:
   • Records that predate 1900.
   • Bound volumes.
   • Original items where a microfilm or other copy exists.
     
     
9. 9. When researchers have finished with the records, they should be handed to a staff member. Records may only be read in the Researchers' Room.
   
   
10. If access to any records is restricted this is noted in the Finding Aids. Staff will advise researchers of the appropriate access application procedure.