Apply for Access to Restricted Collections
Some materials in our catalog are listed as “closed to research.” Possible reasons for restriction are listed in our Access Policy . When the collection you wish to see is closed to research, work with a Church history consultant via the “Ask Us” service to request access. When possible, it is helpful to identify the specific part of a collection you would like to see. On average, these requests take 15 days to process and roughly two-thirds are approved.
Common Questions
What can I expect after submitting a request?
What can I expect after submitting a request?
You will see a confirmation email regarding your request immediately after submission. A digitization coordinator receives your request and passes it on to the Access Review Committee. The committee will determine what needs to be done before the collection can be accessed. Steps can include review of the collection, archival processing, identifying the needed information, digitization, redaction, etc. The average turnaround time for an access request is 14 days, but the time can vary from a couple of days to several months, depending on what the request requires. Please reply to your confirmation email if you have any questions about your request or the timeline.
When your request is complete, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing the material.
When your request is complete, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing the material.
Why might a request take several months to be completed?
Why might a request take several months to be completed?
Some collections require a full review before we can provide access. This means that we read each word in the collection and make appropriate redactions, according to our access policy . This process can take several months, depending on the size of the collection and how many other requests are in our queue.
How early should I request access for a project I am working on?
How early should I request access for a project I am working on?
Because the timeline is so variable, please request collections as soon as you know you need them. Connect with a research consultant via Ask Us for assistance.
What can I do to increase the chance of approval?
What can I do to increase the chance of approval?
- Be specific in your request. A large collection will take more time to evaluate; if you can narrow the request to a specific date range, topic, or box and folder, the chances of approval (and a timely response!) will increase significantly.
- Evaluate available sources first. Include information about where you looked and were unable to find the information in your request.
- Work closely with your consultant. The more they know about your project and what you are looking for, the better they will be able to help you find the collections you need and place appropriate and detailed access requests.
What does the process look like on the inside?
What does the process look like on the inside?
After a request is received, a member of the Access Review Committee will be assigned to evaluate it. The committee meets every Thursday to discuss the week’s requests and what needs to be done to allow access. Many collections can be opened after review by a committee member. Some require further review, processing, permission from other bodies, or redaction. Once a decision or course of action is made, the chair of the committee proceeds with each decision. You will be informed of the decision and how to access approved material, via email.
Can I appeal a decision on one of my requests?
Can I appeal a decision on one of my requests?
If you have questions about your request, please reply to the decision email you received. We are happy to hear your concerns and discuss the decision with you, but we do not have a formal appeal process. Our decisions are based on precedents and policy and when a request is declined, there are generally no other avenues for access. The goal of the committee is to provide access when appropriate and to avoid declining a request when possible.
If approved, how will I access the material?
If approved, how will I access the material?
There are a handful of options for access, both digital and physical. Some access options include:
- Access to either microfilm or manuscript in the Reading Room at the Church History Library(CHL).
- Photocopies of approved portions of a collection in a folder designated for you to access in the Reading Room at the CHL.
- Digital access through the Church History Catalog. Depending on the collection you may not be able to download, and may only have access for a specified time period.
- Offline files sent to your email.