The Douglas County Historical Society has thousands
of photographs and documents pertaining to the history of Douglas County,
Kansas and its people. These are available in the Archives of Watkins
Community Museum of History for the use of researchers subject to the
conditions below. Feel free to ask a staff member if you have any questions
about our collections or policies. In order to protect our collections
and provide the best possible service to our patrons, we ask that you
take a few moments to read through our research policies. Researchers
must read and sign this form agreeing to comply with these policies
before gaining access to the archival materials.
Research
Services
ON-SITE RESEARCH
The Archives are available by appointment Tuesday
and Wednesday 2:00-6:00 p.m., Thursday 2:00-4:00 p.m.; 6:00-9:00 p.m.,
Friday 2:00-5:00 p.m.. and Saturday 2:00-4 p.m. Please call 785-841-4109
to schedule an appointment. Researchers will not be admitted without
an appointment. Researchers may use the open stacks free of charge.
ON-SITE STAFF ASSISTED RESEARCH
If the Archivist
is required to pull books, documents, records, from the open stacks
or if a researcher requires significant assistance, a pro-rated fee
of $25 per hour will be charged.
OFF-SITE INQUIRIES
Off-site inquiries should be made in writing either
by e-mail, or mail. The museum's e-mail is: helenk@watkinsmuseum.org.
A research request form is available at Research
Request
Staff conducted research will be pro-rated at $25
per hour plus copy fees (see reproduction policies) and a minimum shipping
and handling fee of $3.50 . On-site research takes precedence; please
allow four to eight weeks to receive requested information. The archivist
shall notify the researcher if more time is required. A researcher may
request expedited service for a fee of $35 plus the pro-rated hourly
fee and copy fees.
ONSITE PROCEDURES AND RULES
Watkins Community Museum of History reserves the
right at all times to ask a researcher to cease work and leave the museum.
REGISTRATION and SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT
All researchers at Watkins Community Museum of History
must show a photo ID (e.g., a Driver's License or student ID). The researcher
must read and sign this form, which will be kept on file at the museum.
On subsequent visits researchers will only need to check in at the "Reference
Desk" and sign a daily log indicating their name, research topic,
and time in/time out. Information on file my be updated occasionally.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Researchers must leave all coats, umbrellas, backpacks,
briefcases, suitcases, computer cases, file folders, file boxes, and
other personal belongings on the hall coat racks. Douglas County Historical
Society and Watkins Community Museum of History cannot be responsible
for personal items that are lost or stolen. The museum staff reserves
the right to inspect all materials carried by a patron upon their entering
and leaving the Archives.
Cameras (digital, still, phone, or video) are not
allowed in the archives. Scanning equipment may be used with prior arrangement;
fees may apply.
Researchers may bring one binder (spiral or three-ring)
or paper, note cards, a personal computer, tape recorder, or portable
typewriter and pencils into the Archives.
Conducting Research
1. Researchers
are allowed one file or box at a time.
2. Researchers will be required to wear white gloves
when handling original manuscripts and photographs. Gloves will be provided.
3. Note Taking:
a. Notes must be taken using PENCILS. NO PENS of any kind are permitted
in the archives.
b. DO NOT LEAN ON items or place paper or note pads of top of documents
while taking notes.
4. DO NOT attempt to make corrections, any marks,
or erasures on research material. If you notice errors in research,
please call it to the attention of a staff member.
5. The archives staff will re-file all materials.
6. No food or drink is allowed in the archives
7. No smoking is allowed in the museum.
8. Photocopies:
a. Researchers must ask permission to make
photocopies. In some cases, only staff can make copies.
b. Not all materials may be copied due to their condition or the copyright
laws of the United States.
c. Original photographs may not be photocopied.
d. Fees: 25 cents for 8½" x 11"; 35 cents for 11"
x 17"
9. Photographic Reproductions:
a. Photographic reproductions may be available,
please refer to the Reproduction Policies
b. Not all materials may be copied due to their condition or the copyright
laws of the United States.
Permissions and Credits
Access to research materials does not constitute
permission to publish in excess of "fair use" according to
the copyright laws of the United States. Researchers are responsible
for obtaining permission to publish any copyrighted material found in
the WCMH collections. Any public use of materials from the original
photograph or manuscript collections must be credited to "Watkins
Community Museum of History." See Reproduction Policies for more
specific rules.
Watkins Community Museum of History is here to serve
the residents and friends of Douglas County, Kansas. We trust you will
be satisfied with the service you receive in learning more about the
rich heritage of the area. Thank you for following these policies so
the museum may continue to inspire and inform the public of these treasures
in Northeast Kansas.
Patrons who fail to abide by these policies will
be denied access to the archives. Theft or mutilation of items in the
archives of Watkins Community Museum of History are crimes that will
be prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The Watkins Community Museum of History does not
discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to,
or operation of its programs. For wheelchair access, press buzzer at
south door entrance and wait briefly for door to open.
