Rules of Conduct

• No beverages of any kind will be permitted in the archives areas. Water is available from drinking fountains found in the library, or vending machines in the snack bar located in the basement of Valentine Hall directly across the street from the library.
  
  
• Backpacks, coats, and other belongings will be checked at the door. The researcher will be supplied with paper and pencils for taking notes. Laptop computers are permitted;
  
  
• When handling original records, cotton gloves will be worn at all times. Abuse of documents will not be tolerated. Repeat offenders will be barred from the archives.
  
  
• Photographing/Scanning of archives documents is permitted for research purposes only, but only those records that are at least 72 years old.
  
  
• BEFORE ANY PART OF AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OR A RECORD FROM AN ACTIVE OR DISBANDED CONGREGATION IS COPIED, PERMISSION, IN WRITING, MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONGREGATION COUNCIL AND/OR PASTOR, OR FROM THE APPROPRIATE SYNOD'S BISHOP.
  
  
• IF THE IMAGE OF ANY DOCUMENT OR PHOTOGRAPH IS TO BE USED IN A COMMERCIAL PUBLICATION OR VENTURE, A PUBLICATION LICENSE AGREEMENT AND FEE(S) MAY BE APPLICABLE.
  
  
• Cell phones are to be turned off or set to vibrator mode.