An extract from the reading room rules

Dear Researcher!

In order to ensure the availability of the most essential treasure of the Estonian Historical Archives, a record, for future generations we ask You to keep in mind:

• You can bring along only necessary stationery (we recommend pencils) as well as laptop computers for the research to the reading rooms.
• Overcoats, bags, cases, newspapers, cameras, food and drinks are not allowed in the reading rooms.
• It is not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, be unsober, talk loud and use mobile phones in the reading rooms.

When using records, it is forbidden to:

· remove records from the reading rooms;
· make marks in records;
· re-arrange the order of pages and take them out of records;
· moisten fingers to turn pages;
· write on archival records;
· place open files over one another;
· scan or film the records oneself.

We do not deliver records that:

· are deposited to an exhibition or another archives;
· are in poor physical condition;
· are being restorated;
· are being copied;
· are under the arrangement;
· have restrictions on use or access.
NB! One can't use original records that are available on microfilm.

We do not make any Xerox-copies of:

· parchment items and parchment bindings;
· fragile or damaged items;
· documents with wax seals as well as corded and sealed items;
· bound items heavier than 3 kg or with a spine wider than 5 cm;
· folded plans, maps or drawings in case copying may be harmful.