Archives > Using the Archives > Conducting Research

Conducting Research

The staff of the Moravian College Archives is pleased to assist you with your research needs. Before visiting, it is a good idea to review the Archives' usage policies and guidelines:

• Access Policy
• Registration Policy
• Usage Guidelines
• Research and Reference Questions
• Copyright and Permission to Publish

Access Policy

Permission to use records and personal papers in the Archives is granted by the College Archivist. For the protection of its collection, the Archives reserves the right to restrict the use of records that are unprocessed, of exceptional value or fragile.

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Registration Policy

Users are required to fill out a new registration form for each fiscal year. During that year, subsequent visits will be recorded on the same registration form.

Registration Form (PDF)

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Usage Guidelines

In general, archival materials do not circulate. A written loan form signed by a member of the Archives staff is required whenever records must be removed from the Archives for administrative or other purposes. The Archives stacks are closed to researchers unaccompanied by an Archives staff member.

Guidelines for the use of archival materials (PDF)

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Research & Reference Questions Policy

Researchers seeking answers to questions requiring minimal research are encouraged to contact the Archivist by letter, phone or e-mail. The Archivist will respond as promptly as the part-time schedule permits. When a question appears to require extensive research which the Archivist is unable to undertake, the Archivist will ordinarily recommend that the researcher come to the Archives to conduct the research in person. The Archivist will be happy to offer guidance.

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Copyright & Permission to Publish

Permission to use archival materials does not imply the authority to publish them. Separate written application for permission to publish must be made to the Archives. It is the researcher’s legal responsibility to identify additional copyright holders. Moravian College and Seminary does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyrights held by other holders.

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