# What is the current rule on Presidental libraries? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 24, 2013, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627 "2013-04-24T23:00:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/22 "2013-04-25T20:55:47Z")
> [@Alley\_Dweller](#): > > And so, what does it take to get your application approved? Don’t know, I’ve never gone through the process. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/23 "2013-04-25T20:57:09Z")
Let’s stop with the political innuendo. We all want this thread to have a … errr, not gonna say it. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/24 "2013-04-25T21:04:25Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Nixon’s library was originally run by a private foundation, due to continued sparring between Uncle Sam and the former President over Watergate issues and access to his papers, but eventually the National Archives took it over by mutual consent… I’ve been to the Nixon Library, but for a party. The [SIGGRAPH](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIGGRAPH) after the release of _Jurassic Park_, ILM put on a huge party at the Nixon Library. Contortionists, fire-eaters, Fishbone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Timothy Leary…it was epic. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/25 "2013-04-25T22:47:43Z")
> [@Alley\_Dweller](#): > > And so, what does it take to get your application approved? Generally they’ll be open to everyone, and you don’t need to apply. [Clinton Library FAQ](http://www.clintonlibrary.gov/faqs.html#Who%20may%20use%20the%20library%E2%80%99s%20research%20collections?) > [@](#): > > Who may use the library’s research collections? > > The William J. Clinton Library is open to everyone. Research inquiries can be made by mail, e-mail, telephone, of fax. Research also may be conducted on-site in the Clinton Library research room. On-site researchers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult researcher. > \ > > What are the research room procedures? > > When you arrive > > ``` > Check in with the admissions desk in the lobby of the Museum. An archivist will be sent to escort you to the research room. > The archivist will conduct a brief orientation and you will fill out a short application. Please have a photo ID with you. You will receive a research card valid for one year. > You will be provided with a locker for storage of your personal items. > > ``` The phrasing for the Carter library is very similar: > [@](#): > > Who may use the library’s research collections? > > Anyone is welcome to use the library’s research collections. Scholars, mass media production staff, teachers, journalists, schoolchildren, attorneys, current government officials, and interested citizens are typical users by mail and telephone. On-site users are less diverse overall. Most are scholars researching publications or undergraduates doing course papers and special projects. On-site researchers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult researcher. To check for others, go to their site, and look for a library/research link - there will generally be info in there under a FAQ or the like. ---
**Author:** ![chorpler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chorpler/32/2888_2.png) [@chorpler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chorpler)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2013, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/26 "2013-04-26T00:10:34Z")
It’s interesting that the library guidelines say “You will be provided with a locker for storage of your personal items.” Do they make you leave your personal items like purses, backpacks, bags, etc. to avoid people stuffing the Presidential records into a bag and absconding with them? Or is it some other reason? ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2013, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/27 "2013-04-26T00:27:49Z")
> [@chorpler](#): > > It’s interesting that the library guidelines say “You will be provided with a locker for storage of your personal items.” > > Do they make you leave your personal items like purses, backpacks, bags, etc. to avoid people stuffing the Presidential records into a bag and absconding with them? Or is it some other reason? Well, yes. You’re dealing with one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable items. So, you get to take in what you need to do the research, but your other things stay outside, though secure. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2013, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/28 "2013-04-26T01:36:16Z")
> [@Lsura](#): > > Generally they’ll be open to everyone, and you don’t need to apply. > > [Clinton Library FAQ](http://www.clintonlibrary.gov/faqs.html#Who%20may%20use%20the%20library%E2%80%99s%20research%20collections?) And from your link: > [@](#): > > The William J. Clinton Library is open to everyone. Research inquiries can be made by mail, e-mail, telephone, of fax. Research also may be conducted on-site in the Clinton Library research room. On-site researchers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult researcher. Not ever having thought about this before…I find this absolutely awesome. It never even occurred to me that I could walk into the Clinton Library and do research, as a private citizen. Or that I could e-mail questions. Nice. ---
**Author:** ![Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e47c2d/32.png) [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2013, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/29 "2013-04-26T02:50:14Z")
The Carter library is surprisingly forthright about his term as president. I’ve been to that, Nixon, and Kennedy; my parents are on a long-term project to visit all of them. ---
**Author:** ![anson2995](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@anson2995](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anson2995)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2013, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/30 "2013-04-26T18:26:59Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I recall back in the 90’s they passed a law that gave all the President’s papers to the U.S.? Basically killing any future Presidential libraries. > > Did they get rid of that new law on seizing their papers? I thought it was a horrible idea. Nobody seems to have addressed the OP’s question. I think the law you’re referring to is the Presidential Records act which was passed in the immediate aftermath of the Nixon scandal, and the intent was to prevent any presidential papers from being destroyed. Papers were to be turned over to the National Archives. It set a 12-year limit, during which time a former president could request that papers be withheld from public view. Presidents Reagan, GW Bush, and Obama have issued executive orders which either expanded access to or put limits on access to presidential records. The Presidential Libraries Act was passed in 1955 and established a system of privately erected and federally maintained libraries. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2013, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/31 "2013-04-26T18:33:18Z")
There’s only one library near enough to me that I can drive to, the Nixon Library. One of these days I want to go there, the pictures look cool Do they actually have books you can check out at these libraries? Wouldn’t it be better to call them Presidential Archives? ---
**Author:** ![HawksPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f07891/32.png) [@HawksPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HawksPath)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2013, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/32 "2013-04-27T20:34:51Z")
On a related note, do the entrance fees (I know the Reagan Library has one, $21) go to a Reagan charity or just an upkeep of the library. More directly, am I supporting any political causes by paying these fees? ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2013, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/33 "2013-04-28T01:19:07Z")
> [@chorpler](#): > > It’s interesting that the library guidelines say “You will be provided with a locker for storage of your personal items.” > > Do they make you leave your personal items like purses, backpacks, bags, etc. to avoid people stuffing the Presidential records into a bag and absconding with them? Or is it some other reason? \It’s happened. The one case I know of from the news involved the main Archives building, not a Presidential library. I found a Wikipedia [link about former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Berger#Unauthorized_removal_of_classified_material) \ ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2013, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/34 "2013-04-28T01:34:39Z")
> [@HawksPath](#): > > On a related note, do the entrance fees (I know the Reagan Library has one, $21) go to a Reagan charity or just an upkeep of the library. More directly, am I supporting any political causes by paying these fees? All of the modern-era libraries are run by NARA; as a government agency they’re not going to be handing over your money to political groups. ---
**Author:** ![cckerberos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@cckerberos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cckerberos)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2013, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/35 "2013-04-28T03:03:38Z")
> [@Alley\_Dweller](#): > > If you can get access to the papers, are there catalogs or indexes to help you find something specific? Yes, but they’re of varying quality. [Here](http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/research/finding_aids/w.html) are some of the finding aids for the Eisenhower library. They give you a rough idea of what’s in each collection. If you contact the library before visiting and tell them what you’re interested in researching, a librarian will try to point you in the right direction. If it’s a popular topic, they may already have a prepared list of relevant materials. That said, you’ll probably end up doing a fair amount of digging in any case. When you decide which boxes you want to take a look at you fill out a small form and bring it to a librarian in the research room who then retrieves the boxes from the archives. It’s all pretty much like what goes on at the National Archives in MD, though much better (since the number of researchers is so much smaller, you get much better attention). ---
**Author:** ![WhyWhyWhy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whywhywhy/32/7539_2.png) [@WhyWhyWhy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyWhyWhy)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2013, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/36 "2013-04-28T06:48:50Z")
Dang, with a $21 admission fee, shouldn’t they just drop the word “library” and call it a theme-park? ---
**Author:** ![HawksPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f07891/32.png) [@HawksPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HawksPath)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2013, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/37 "2013-04-28T18:47:02Z")
> [@WhyWhyWhy](#): > > Dang, with a $21 admission fee, shouldn’t they just drop the word “library” and call it a theme-park? Funny you should say that, but when I was checking the price the first teaser I saw on their website was for “Treasures from the Walt Disney Archives”. It looks like they will have some kind of dragon headed car possibly from a Disney parade. They also have an Air Force One. ---
**Author:** ![anson2995](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@anson2995](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anson2995)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2013, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/38 "2013-04-29T02:30:33Z")
The Presedential Libararies are essentially museums which also have reasearch libraries, not at all unlike the Baseball Hall of Fame, to name just one example. As with other research libraries, they typically do not allow you to browse through most of their materials. Rather, they are available on request, and if you are looking at historical papers you may be viewing a copy. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2013, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627/39 "2013-04-29T02:36:25Z")
> [@chorpler](#): > > It’s interesting that the library guidelines say “You will be provided with a locker for storage of your personal items.” > > Do they make you leave your personal items like purses, backpacks, bags, etc. to avoid people stuffing the Presidential records into a bag and absconding with them? Or is it some other reason? In my experience, it’s pretty standard for archives and libraries with original documents (in Canada; never been to a presidential library). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-rule-on-presidental-libraries/656627.md?page=1)