General Access

   

The primary function of Archives is to serve the administrative needs of the Archbishop and the dioceses. It also seeks to ensure a documentary heritage and a basis for scholarly research.

The Archives and Records Office of the Archdiocese of St. Louis exists to collect, preserve and make available the records of enduring value which pertain to the experience of the Church in this region. As such, it plays an integral part in the information system of the diocese. Its main function is to serve the administrative needs of the Archbishop and the diocese. However, it also seeks to ensure a documentary heritage and a basis for scholarly research in keeping with the moral and historical precepts of Canon Law and the democratic values and civil law of the United States of America. Access policies to the Archives are based on the following principles [1]:

1. As authorized by Canon Law, the Archivist serves under the Chancellor as the Archbishop's representative and liaison in the establishment of archival policies.
2. Access policies are developed with sensitivity for the principles of both right to know and confidentiality. This is to ensure compliance with state and federal legislation and archival practices to guarantee the existence of materials for future researchers.
3. Few collections are permanently restricted. Some materials, however, may be sequestered from common viewing for a certain period of time; these may include, but are not limited to, medical, orphanage, sacramental, student, and other records. They will be made available in a scheduled manner in keeping with professionally appraised criteria and canonical requirements. Other obligations may arise as a result of contractual stipulations through Deeds of Gifts, wills or sales arrangements.
4. Access to the archives and records is open to all qualified researchers regardless of race or creed. The guiding principle is equal access for anyone with legitimate interests in the documentation.
5. Questions on access policies to individual collections or series may be directed to the archivist or discovered through written policies such as the Collection Policy and the Sacramental Policy available in the Archives and Records Office and on this webpage.
6. Access is granted to researchers as a contractual matter in which use of the material is subject to the rules of the Archives and Records, including the acceptance of normal policies and procedures. Researchers with problems or complaints should first voice their concerns to the archivist. Any unresolved difficulties may be pursued along the chain of command through the Chancellor to the Archbishop as the ultimate source of authority.

1 "Guidelines for Access to Diocesan Archives" of the Association of Catholic Diocesan Archivists.

Physical Access to the Facility
Researchers are asked to register and sign a form indicating an awareness of use expectations for archival materials. Information regarding the collection is included in the Collection Policy. Researchers will be held responsible for any damage to materials used. Use of cameras and other reproduction equipment is not permitted. Photocopies of archival materials are available from the Archives Staff for a nominal fee. Permission to use written or microfilm materials does not include the right to publish these materials. For more details refer to the policies on Copyright and Publication and the Permission to Publish Form. It may be necessary to limit the time each researcher may use the microfilm reader in order to meet the demands of all researchers. No food or beverages are permitted in the Archives. Due to limited reading space and resources, we do ask that you make an appointment so that we can provide you with quality service.