Access and Security

When you visit the Archives for the first time, you will be directed to Customer Service where you will register and get a research card. For security purposes, you will need to provide picture identification. The card is valid for five years from date of issue. If you do not have photo identification, you may be issued a one-day "Temporary Research Card" allowing you access into the Reference Room but not the Original Documents Reading Area. You will need to wear your research card at all times while in the building.

Researchers under sixteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult researcher who assumes responsibility for his or her conduct.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Every effort will be made to accommodate researchers with special requirements for physical access. Please inform us of your needs at the time of registration or call Public Services at 678-364-3730 before your visit.

Cameras

Hand-held cameras without a flash may be used to photograph documents as long as the documents being photographed are being handled in accordance with our standard guidelines. No extra lighting or equipment is permitted. Permission to photograph materials does not imply permission to publish them. Photographs of the building or other researchers are not permitted.

Cellular telephones

Cell phones or pagers on silent or vibrate mode are permitted. Please move immediately to the lobby to conduct your conversation. This eliminates any disturbance to your fellow researchers. Please note that due to the building construction materials, it may be difficult to get a signal inside the building.

Computers

Laptops may be used in the Reference Room, Microfilm Library, and Original Documents Reading Area. You must leave your laptop case in a locker, but you can bring the laptop, power cord, and mouse with you. Electrical outlets are available. However, please note that the Georgia Archives is not responsible for loss or damage due to power failures or fluctuations.

The use of personal disks or CDs in the Georgia Archives computers is prohibited. This is to protect our computers against computer viruses.

Copies

Self- service copies and printouts cost $.20 per page from books, periodicals, and computers, and $.30 per page from microfilm/microfiche or original records. Payment is made on the honor system. When you are ready to leave for the day, you will total the number of copies you made from the books, periodicals, and folders, as well as the number of copies from the microfilm, and report it to the staff on duty in the Reference Room. They will provide you with a slip to take to the Customer Service Center, where you will pay for your copies before you leave.

Self-service copiers are available in the Reference Room and Microfilm Library. If there are problems with any machine, please do not continue to make copies. Please ask staff for assistance; this will help us keep costs down by limiting waste of paper and toner. Please limit your use of copiers and printers to one hour if other researchers are waiting

Copyright

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve a violation of copyright law.

Emergencies

During an emergency evacuation, please leave all materials and follow instructions from the Reference Staff. Since our main priority is to get you out of the building quickly and safely, you will not be able to go to the lockers while evacuating

Food and Lodging

A snack bar is available on-site. A list of local eateries and lodging is available on the Information rack in the lobby.

Gift Shop

The Archives Store is located in the Visitor Learning Center which is between the Georgia Archives and the National Archives. The Archives Store offers books, videotapes and CDs on history and genealogy, games, t-shirts, mugs, posters, and similar items. The Store contains items related to the collections of both the Georgia Archives and the National Archives.

Headphones

You may use headphones if the sound is inaudible to others.

Hours

We are open for research Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are closed on all state and most federal holidays, and on the Saturday immediately following a Friday holiday and the Saturday immediately preceding a Monday holiday.

Loan of Materials

As a research institution with unique holdings, the Georgia Archives does not participate in interlibrary loan or the temporary loan of materials to researchers. This is so that the materials are here every time you come in to look at them.

Lockers

Lockers are available in various sizes at no charge. You may choose one that is convenient for you. Please do not leave materials overnight. Materials left will be removed and placed in Lost and Found. Make sure the lockers are locked and keep the key with you at all times. To open lockers, please turn the key and push knob to the right. To lock, turn the key and push the knob to the left. These actions must be done at the same time. Please ask staff if you need assistance.

Lost and Found

The lost and found area is located at the Welcome Desk. Items are held for 30 days and then discarded or donated to charity as appropriate.

Original Materials

In the Original Documents Reading Area, materials will be used under close staff supervision and researchers will have their materials inspected upon entry and exit of the room. Personal items, except computers or note cards, are not permitted. Original documents, rare books, and maps may not be copied by researchers. Staff will arrange for copies of these items. Same day service may not be available.

Parking

Free parking is available in front of the building. There is additional free parking in the lot behind the Archives. Entry is from Clayton State Boulevard. Participants of workshops and similar events are encouraged to use the back parking lot.

Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety of the materials, certain items are prohibited in the Reference Room, Microfilm Library, and Original Documents Reading Area, including food, drinks, tobacco products, ink pens, markers, highlighters, colored pencils, Post-it® notes or similar self-adhesive notes, copiers of any type, enclosed items (including, but not limited to, briefcases, purses, bags, envelopes), umbrellas, hats, coats and other outerwear and any item staff deems a security risk. If a coat is necessary for your personal comfort, it may be worn in the Reference Room and it must be removed for inspection by Security upon your departure. No coats are permited in the Original Document Reading Area.

Firearms or weapons of any type are not permitted.

Microfilm or other media from external sources may not be brought into the Reference Room.

In addition, the use of personal disks or CDs in the Georgia Archives computers is prohibited. This is to protect our computers against computer viruses.

Lockers are available for storage of prohibited items. Please see the Lockers section for more details.

Publishing (Permission)

Permission to reproduce materials is not permission to publish. If Georgia Archives material will be used in a publication or on the Internet, permission to publish must be requested from the Georgia Archives in writing.

Restrooms

There are two sets of restrooms on the first floor. One is located in the lobby near the Welcome Desk and the second is across from the Security Desk.

Signing In/Signing Out

You will sign in for the day at the Security Desk before entering the Reference Room. You will need to sign out and present your research materials for inspection when you leave the Reference Room. In case of an emergency, this sign-in sheet allows us to be sure everyone is safely out of the building.

Smoking

No smoking is allowed within 100 feet of the building.

Snack Bar/Patron Lounge

There are vending machines with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks available. In addition, there is a microwave for use by researchers. Please ask for help in the Customer Service Area if you have problems with any of the machines.

You may bring your own food in a cooler, which you may leave in your car or in a locker, as you prefer. There are also several fast-food and sit-down restaurants available within a few miles of the Archives. You are welcome to eat in the Patron Lounge. There is no refrigerator or sink in the Lounge.

Staff Assistance

Staff are on duty in the Reference Room to help guide you to appropriate resources for your research, demonstrate how to use the equipment, and generally help you meet your research needs.

Telephones

Courtesy telephones are available in the alcove next to the Patron Lounge for local and credit card calls. Dial "9" for an outside line.

If you receive a call on your cellular telephone while you are in the Reference Room, please move immediately to the lobby to conduct your conversation.

Water Fountains

There are two sets of water fountains. One is located in the lobby near the Welcome Desk and the second is across from the Security Desk.

We look forward to your visit. We welcome your suggestions for ways to make your visit a pleasant experience.