Reading Room Regulations
Admission
Admission to the reading room is strictly at the discretion of the Archives Staff, and the Archivist reserves the right to refuse admission to the reading room.
Registration of first time readers
All those visiting the Archive’s reading room for the first time must complete a reader registration form which can be downloaded from here and be issued with a reader’s ticket. Readers should bring their Reader’s Tickets with them on all subsequent visits. Readers should bring documents like Photo I.D./Driving License/PAN Card to prove their identity and a letter from their respective guide.
Group Visits
Visits by groups of 5 or more must be booked at least two days in advance. Bookings can be made by telephone.
Signing in
All readers must sign the visitors’ book on each visit to the reading room.
Bags
Bags must be left in the lockers provided in the Reading Room.
Accessing material in the Archives
1. Archives holdings may be consulted only in the reading room.
2. To view material held by the Archives, readers must complete a Requisition Slip. Requisition Slips are available in the reading room. Only 5 Requisition Slips may be submitted at any one time. Material requested on Requisition Slips will be made available in the reading room as soon as is practicable, but please note that waiting periods of up to one hour may be experienced.
Copying material in the Archives
1. A photocopier is available for public use in the Main Office.
2. Reprographic and transcription facilities may be made available on submission of an application in Form - 9 and for such services the applicant shall have to make the payment of such services (the applicant shall have to make the payment of such services charges) as may be fixed by the Archivist from time to time.
3. Items like books, bound periodicals, maps, plans, drawings and original MSS, Pamphlets and press cuttings may not be copied, if they are fragile or damaged.
4. Order forms and current prices lists are available in the reading room.
5. Private cameras may be used in the Archives by appointment only. The use of private cameras is restricted to copying drawings or manuscripts material. Private cameras may not be used to copy photographs. No flash photograph is allowed and no camera stands or tripods may be used. The Archives will levy a fee for the use of a private camera and for each image taken. Copyright in all images taken by private camera resides fully with the Mizoram State Archives or the original copyright holder.
Using material in the Archives
1. Readers are responsible for all items issued to them until they have returned them to the reading room desk.
2. Restrictions controlling the use of material will be enforced on conversation and security grounds. Archival documents are irreplaceable and must be treated with respect.
3. Pencils only may be used in the reading room. Pencils and pencil sharpeners are available at the reading room desk. No glue, ink, correction fluid, scissors or any substance or equipment which could damage material held in the Archives should be brought by readers into the reading room.
4. Tracing is strictly prohibited, as is the use of rulers, dividers, etc. to take measurements. Writing materials must not be placed on any book, manuscript, map, plan or drawing. Readers should not lean on maps, plans or drawings and should be careful while unrolling rolled items. No archival material should be placed on the floor.
5. No markers or place-holders should be inserted into books.
6. Readers are requested to keep documents and drawings in their numbered order. To avoid misplacement of documents, readers are asked to take only one Carton Box at a time from the shelves and to be careful to replace correct documents which have been removed from Carton Box.
7. No smoking is allowed in the reading room or any other part of the Archives.
8. Food and drinks are not allowed in the reading room.
9. Mobile telephones should be switch off and telephone conversations via mobile telephones should be conducted off the premises except in emergencies.
10. The use of personal stereos, tape recorders or portable typewriters is prohibited in the reading room. Laptop computers may be used with the prior permission of the staff member on duty
11. Silence should be observed in the reading room.
12. Readers behaving in a manner likely to disturb others will be required to leave.
