Several Library manuscript collections contain folders that require significant advance consultation with an archivist before materials can be released. These folders are in collections that are well-arranged and have accurate public finding aids, but Library staff have not reviewed folder contents for privacy, national security, or other restrictable information.
Individual folders that require this review are identified on the collection finding aids as being “Closed” (rather than “Open” or “Digitized”). Researchers may also find these folders listed on their PRESNET search reports with one of the following phrases: "{REVIEW ON REQUEST}" or "{Not yet open but can be added to the Review Queue}."
Researchers can request up to 25 folders (approximately 1,500 pages) that will be placed at the end of the review queue. When these are reviewed, researchers may then add another request to the queue. Small requests - those for just a folder or two - may be handled in an "express lane" to keep down the total number of requests waiting in the queue.
The purpose of this queue system is to give researchers a voice in setting review priorities. Material in unprocessed collections (collections that are not arranged and do not have a finding aid) may not be added to the queue.
Procedures for initiating a Review Queue request:
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Consult the Library finding aids or your PRESNET search reports to see if any folders that relate to your research need to be added to the Review for Access Queue.
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Complete the online form that is available on this webpage or email the Library staff with your request. If you email the Library, please include a list of the titles of the folders (with their associated collection title and box numbers) that you would like us to review.
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Upon receipt of your request, an archivist will contact you with information about the current status of our review queue backlog and will discuss the likely waiting period in general terms (e.g., a few weeks, many months, or over one year) We are unable to give you an exact date by which your requested folders will be open for research.
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Upon completion of review, Library staff will notify you that your requested folders have been opened to the public. It is possible, however, that individual documents within those folders may still be temporarily restricted under terms of the donor's deed of gift or under National Archives and Records Administration general restrictions (36 CFR 1256).
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You may schedule a research visit to the Library in Ann Arbor to view these folders or place a reproduction order.