Archive Regulations

Smoking is not allowed in the building.

Use of mobile phones is not allowed in the Reading Rooms.

Documents must not be taken out of the Reading Rooms.

Briefcases, bags and coats must be left in the lockers adjacent to Reception.

A refreshment area has been provided, where you can eat, drink, read your newspaper, or use your mobile telephone. These activities are not allowed in the Reading Rooms. This includes eating sweets and chewing gum.

Please sign the Reading Room register when you arrive at the Help Desk.

When in the reading room:

You should not use any items which could damage archive materials, for example: ink, felt or fibre tip pens, biros, hand held copiers and scanners, scissors, knives, staplers, glue, self adhesive tape, ink, and correction fluid.

To avoid indelible accidental marks on documents, you may only use pencils for writing. Sharpen them away from the documents; there is a rotary sharpener at the Help Desk and on the shelves of the Reading Room

The format or condition of archive materials may preclude copying, and there are also copyright regulations to be observed. Please ask archive staff for permission to trace documents and maps, or to arrange photocopying or photography.

The Reading Room is a place of quiet study. Please try not to disturb others.

Handling Guidelines

Please help us to preserve Jersey's archive heritage by observing the following guidelines. They are all intended to reduce wear, soiling, and accidental damage to the archive materials, and to assist you to have an enjoyable and productive visit.

Archive materials vary in format and condition. If you are unsure that you are handling them correctly, please ask a member of the Archive staff.

Report damaged documents to the Archive staff.

Ensure that you have clean hands before touching documents.

To avoid indelible accidental marks on documents, you may only use pencils for writing. Sharpen pencils away from the documents.

Position archive materials safely on the table. Do not let them overhang the table edge or put them on the floor or chair, or cover or stack them with other items. Keep them out of direct sunlight.

Handle documents as little as possible. It helps if you do not hold the document or volume you are studying; it should be placed flat on the table or on a support. Restraining weights, supports, transparent sleeves and visual aids are available at the Reading Room issue desk.

Do not press or lean on the documents when taking notes.

The text on the surface of documents should not be touched because the ink may be fragile and easily rubbed off. Use a clean sheet of paper to follow a line of text, not your finger. We provide slips of acid free paper at the Issue Desk.

You should never lick your fingers to turn a page.

The surfaces of microfilm, microfiche, and photographic prints and negatives, are damaged by finger marks. Avoid this by holding them by their edges and wearing cotton gloves when studying photographic materials, if they are not already in transparent sleeves. Please borrow cotton gloves from the Issue Desk staff.

The historical or legal validity of the documents might be compromised if later marks are made or if any of the evidence is erased. Therefore, never mark documents or erase any part of them. Please keep loose documents in order.

You should not crease, fold or bend documents unless they are given to you in a folded state. If you have difficulty handling folded or rolled documents, please ask for advice and assistance.

Re-box or re-tie documents with care. Cotton tape should be tied with a bow rather than a knot.

Thank you for your co-operation in helping us to preserve Jersey's archive heritage