Using the Archive

Regulations for Using the Archival Collections
Jozef Piłsudski Institute of America
§ 1
Before accessing the Institute’s collections, users must complete a "User Registration Form" and familiarize themselves with these Regulations. The "User Registration Form" should be filled out legibly in block letters.
§ 2
The primary tools for searching archival materials are the Institute’s cataloging and informational resources.
General information about the collections, available finding aids, and rules for accessing the Institute’s holdings is provided by the director during office hours.
§ 3
Archival materials or their reproductions are made available based on a request form (reversal), which must be completed separately for each archival unit.
Archival materials must be requested at least one day in advance or ordered in advance by phone.
Only cataloged archival materials—those with appropriate finding aids allowing for their identification—are available for direct access.
§ 4
Archival materials for which user reproductions (microfilms) have been made are provided in the form of reproductions. Access to original materials may only be granted in justified cases, based on a written statement from the user explaining why the reproductions are inadequate for their research.
§ 5
Users must not interfere with the order or content of archival materials and should take care to preserve their physical condition and security.
Specifically, users are prohibited from:
• Changing the order of the archival materials they are using.
• Writing notes, comments, or markings on the materials.
• Making notes on paper placed directly on archival documents.
• Engaging in any actions that may damage the archival materials.
• Removing archival materials from the Institute’s premises.
• Using objects or substances that could damage the documents (e.g., food, staining agents, flammable materials, etc.).
§ 6
Users have the right to:
• Use all available cataloging and archival aids necessary for their work.
• Use the Institute’s library as well as their own books.
• Use their own laptop computers.
§ 7
Access to and copying of archival materials may be restricted due to their level of organization or poor physical condition.
§ 8
Archival materials used and cited in publications must be properly referenced.
Publishing source materials as individual documents or collections requires separate approval from the Institute’s authorities.
The commercial use of archival materials (such as exhibitions, radio and television broadcasts, reproductions in publications, etc.) is permitted only after signing an appropriate agreement.
After publishing any work that utilizes the Institute’s collections, the author is required to submit one copy to the Institute’s library.

Here

The Institute has extensive archival resources available to everyone. An increasing number of these resources are accessible online in digital form. The Institute is funded through membership fees and donations.

The pricing includes fees for on-site researcher work at the Institute and charges for custom services (postal, email, telephone, etc.).
The Institute does not charge for preparing materials for on-site research. After filling out the order form, users may access the collections on-site under the terms specified in the regulations.

On-Site Research
• Copying with a personal camera: $0.10 per photographed page

Service Details Price

Special orders outside of the listed pricing are negotiated individually.

In justified cases, the Institute may offer discounts. Institute members receive a 25% discount on the above-listed services. Information on becoming a member is available at www.pilsudski.org or by calling (212) 505-9077.

Copyright
U.S. copyright law (Title 17, United States Code) governs the reproduction of copyrighted materials.
Libraries and archives may provide photocopies or other reproductions only under specific conditions outlined in the law. One of these conditions is that copies must be used solely for "private study, scholarship, or research." If a user requests copies and later uses them beyond "fair use" provisions, they may be liable for copyright infringement.
The Institute reserves the right to refuse copy requests if, in its opinion, fulfilling the request would violate copyright laws.

Payment Methods
Payments can be made:
• In cash (on-site)
• By check
• By credit card via the Institute's website
• By bank transfer to PKO SA V O. Warsaw, account number: 77 1240 1066 1111 0000 0022 0987