Access and Security

When you enter the Archives you will be facing the Customer Service Desk where you will register and get a research card. A valid, government issued photo ID is required for registration (driver’s license or other state photo ID card issued by Department of Motor Vehicles; state, county or city government ID; college/university/high school ID, U.S. Military ID, U.S. passport; passport issued by a U.S. recognized foreign government). The registration card is valid for five years from date of issue. You will need to wear your research card at all times while in the building.

Researchers, age 13 to 16, may apply for a Student Researcher Card. The student must be accompanied by a registered adult researcher (parent or guardian) who assumes responsibility for his or her conduct.

Children under 13 may accompany the Researcher into the Reference Room (not the Original Document Reading Area) but must be closely supervised by the Researcher at all times. Failure to adequately supervise children will result in the loss of research privileges. Researchers, age 13 to 16, may apply for a Student Researcher Card. The student must be accompanied by a registered adult researcher (parent or guardian) 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 may be used without a flash in the Reference Room to photograph documents as long as the materials being photographed are handled in accordance with our standard guidelines. The use of personal cameras in the Original Document Reading Area requires permission of the Assistant Director. No extra lighting or equipment is permitted in either area. For security purposes, photos of the building or other researchers are not permitted. (Standard building photos are available for use by researchers – see staff for details). Permission to photograph does not imply permission to publish.

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.

Use of the Archives computers is limited to research related to the holdings of the Archives. Inappropriate use is strictly prohibited.

Personal flash drives may be used to store images of documents from Archives computers and microfilm readers. No software, images, or information may be loaded onto Archives computers.

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, total the number of copies you made from the books and folders, as well as the number of copies from the microfilm, and report it to the staff at the Reference Desk. They will provide you with a yellow payment slip to take to the Customer Service Desk, where you will pay for your copies before you leave. Failure to pay for copies will result in the loss of research privileges.

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. You may use your personal thumb drive to save images from the computers and the microfilm reader/printers at no cost.

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. There are a number of hotels at exit 233 of I-75 and restaurants both on Jonesboro Road and nearby. The Customer Service staff will be happy to offer more information.

Headphones

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

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 Customer Service 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.