US National Archives and Records Administration ...ready access to essential evidence...
Research Room
Attention users of screen reader software. There are 4 possible starting points on this page, please select where you want to start using this page from the following choices: Start at the NARA Website Quick-links Skip the NARA Website Quick-links and start from the main navigation choices Skip the Quick-links and the Main Navigation choices and go to the Section-Specific Navigation choices Skip all navigation choices on this page and go directly to the content. The NARA Website quick-links below provide a way to immediately navigate to frequently accessed areas of NARA's Website. Where is Hot Topics / What's New Where is The Constitution Where is The Declaration of Independence Where is The Bill of Rights Where is Genealogy Where is Veterans' Service Records Where is Archival Research Catalog (ARC) Where is Access to Archival Databases (AAD) Where is eVetRecs Where is Electronic Records Archives (ERA) Where is Archives Library Info. Center (ALIC) Where is Calendar of Events Where is FAQs Where is FOIA Reading Room Where is Information Security Oversight Office Where is Interagency Working Group (IWG) Where is Locations and Hours (Facilities) Where is Media Desk Where is Organization Chart Where is Preservation Where is Prologue Magazine Where is Publications How do I Use this Site How do I Order Copies How do I Contact NARA How do I Visit NARA How do I Apply for a Job How do I Volunteer at NARA How do I Research Online How do I Find a Public Law How do I Apply for a Grant How do I Find Records Management Training Attention users of screen reader software. The NARA Website quick-links above are repeated verbatim in a HTML form below. The form below is designed for traditional web browsers. Select this link to skip past the form.
October 23, 2004
Welcome
About Us
Research Room
Records Management
Records Center Program
Federal Register
NHPRC and Other Grants
Exhibit Hall
Digital Classroom
Records of Congress
Presidential Libraries
Search
Site Index
The National Archives Experience
Our Documents - A National Initiative on American history, civics, and service
Support the National Archives
FirstGov: The United States Government Official Web Portal
Print-Friendly Version
Sections
skip section navigation menu 1skip to content
Main Section Research Room Main Page
Main Section New in Research Room
Main Section Getting Started
Main Section Genealogy
Main Section Veterans' Service Records
Main Section Archival Research Catalog (ARC)
Main Section Research Topics
Main Section Research Paths and Media Types
Resources
skip to content
Main Section Guide to Federal Records
Main Section Access to Archival Databases (AAD)
Main Section Microfilm Locator
Main Section Archives Library Information Center (ALIC)
Current Page Hire a Researcher
Main Section Citing Records in the National Archives
Main Section Locations and Hours
Main Section To Obtain Copies
Main Section Teaching with Documents
Main Section FOIA Reading Room
Main Section National History Day
Main Section Search in Research Room
Independent Researchers for Hire
An Opportunity for Independent Researchers

Any individual who is performing research activities at facilities of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) on behalf of others, usually for appropriate compensation, may be eligible for inclusion on our online listing of independent researchers. This is a new customer service initiative spurred by the numerous requests for such an offering.



What is the online listing?

The listing identifies independent researchers who may be willing to undertake research in our records holdings for individuals or organizations who are unable to visit our facilities themselves or who may want some preliminary research carried out prior to their own visit. We also offer the listings, without endorsement, as a service to our customers.


Who qualifies for inclusion on the listing?

Self-employed individuals and companies or organizations who research our records holdings on behalf of others. NARA employees do not qualify.


How will the listing be used?

We will post the information on our web site and in our facilities nationwide, and share printed copies, on request, with researchers who cannot travel to our facilities to conduct their own research.

Top of Page


How do I get on the list?

With access to a printer and the Adobe Acrobat Reader software available below, you may download and print a copy of NA Form 14115, National Archives and Records Administration Independent Researcher Listing Application Form, For Use by Regional Records Services and Washington, DC area facilities. It is a total of two pages, formatted for letter size paper (8.5" x 11"). If your printer cannot accommodate this size, select "shrink to fit" when the Adobe Acrobat Reader "Print" dialog box appears.

Adobe Acrobat PDFIndependent Researcher Listing Application Form * (PDF Format)
Get Acrobat Reader      

Click here to download the latest version of the FREE Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader.


The application form is also available in Microsoft Word format:
Independent Researcher Listing Application Form (Microsoft Word format)

If you don't have access to a printer, or are unable to download NA Form 14115, you may still secure a copy of the form by the following means:

  • by mail:
    National Archives at College Park
    Research Support Branch (NWCC2), Room 1000
    RE: Independent Researcher Listing
    8601 Adelphi Road
    College Park, MD 20740-6001
  • by fax: 301-837-0483

  • by electronic mail: NARA's Inquire Form

  • by telephone: 301-837-1946.

Be sure to indicate the manner in which you want the form returned to you and provide the appropriate return address.

Complete the form and send it by postal mail or fax to:

National Archives at College Park,
Research Support Branch (NWCC2), Room 1000
RE: Independent Researcher Listing
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001

Fax: 301-837-0483

Please note that all fields noted as "required" on the form must be completed for inclusion on the listing.


If I do not wish to be included in the listing, will this inhibit my access to NARA records and facilities?

Completion of the form by independent researchers is strictly voluntary. Failure to complete and return the form will in no way inhibit your access to NARA's holdings.

Top of Page


Is there a fee involved?

No.


When should I update the information provided?

Whenever any of the information that you previously submitted about your services has changed. We will update the listing as soon as possible or within 10 business days.


How do I update my listing?

Submit a new copy of the NA Form 14115, marked "update" in the appropriate box, to the address shown above.


What if I decide that I no longer wish to be included in the listing?

To be removed from the listing, direct a fax or postal request to the address shown above or use our Inquire Form.


Are there other circumstances that may trigger my removal from the listing?

All independent researchers using NARA facilities are expected to comply with our established research room procedures. Those found to be in violation of such procedures may be stricken from the listing. Complaints received on a regular basis regarding the business practices of any independent researcher may also be grounds for exclusion from the listing.


Should I view this listing as an endorsement by NARA of my work?

No. Inclusion on the list may not be viewed or advertised as an endorsement by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The listing is compiled and disseminated as a service to the public.


Who may I contact for further information about the listing process?

For further information, contact the Research Support Branch noted above by:

Telephone: 301-837-2002

Fax: 301-837-0483

Email: NARA's Inquire Form.


Top of Page

PDF File Icon. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
More information on Adobe Acrobat PDF files is available on our Accessibility page.
Privacy and Use Accessibility Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us NARA Home Page NARA Address: 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20408, Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272