How is public access administered?

A written application must be made using the Archives Research Registration Form and the applicant must agree to certain conditions. Items that are already classified “Open” will be made available in the Archives’ reading room during regular business hours and under supervision. Other items will be reviewed prior to being made available (this may take some time if external originators have to be notified). A record will be maintained of all items requested and/or made available.

Can the public see documents on the Internet?

Generally, the public is not able to view archival documents on the Internet. The volume of documents is simply too large - many millions of pages. Some specific categories of documents may be available in the Documents and Reports database, however, such as Staff Appraisal Reports.

How does the public know what is available?

The Archives will make available on the Internet as much bibliographic information about files and documents potential available for disclosure, but researchers should not presume that records included in the public access catalog will necessarily be disclosed

Does public access incur any cost to access the Archives?

Inspection of documents and use of finding aids in the Archives search room will be provided free of charge. This is the accepted practice of national archives and research collections throughout the world. Researchers will pay for copies of documents they request, beyond an initial threshold of free copies. Bibliographic information will be available on the Internet without payment for access.

Where are the archives made available?

The archives are made available only in the reading room in the Archives Section.

Do researchers have to come to Washington?

The unique and irreplaceable nature of archives makes it impossible to provide access to the original material anywhere other than under supervision in the Archives’ reading room. Researchers who are unable to come to Washington will be able to employ research agents to consult the records on their behalf. Alternatively, subject to any copyright restrictions and reimbursement of costs (if appropriate - special consideration will be given to researchers in developing countries), they can be supplied with copies of relevant material.

Can the archives be copied for researchers?

Copyright in the records held by the Archives is owned by the Bank (in the case of documents created by the Bank) and by others, including member states (in the case of documents received by the Bank from external sources). Under the convention of “fair use” for research purposes, the Archives, on request, will make copies of records, but may charge a fee to recover the costs of making copies if the volume requested is significant. As a condition of their use of the archives, researchers undertake to seek the permission of copyright owners if they wish to further reproduce material.