Des Moines County Historical Society

The DMCHS is meant to foster new learning and historic preservation. Research requests of all types come through our doors. It is important to note that we are a closed archive. This means that the public does not have open access to our collection (like, for instance, a public library). Researchers must schedule time with a staff member, volunteer or other individuals in order to perform research. Typically, 5-7 business days are required for processing and preparing archival materials. Ideally, a staff member would schedule an appointment with the researcher during normal Heritage Center office hours. Paperwork must be filled out to keep this organized and to maximize the effectiveness of staff time.

1. Receive and fill out a Research Request Packet. This applies to digital requests or in-person requests, personal or corporate. This information is available digitally on our website, can be emailed by the Collections Coordinator, or picked up in hard copy from the museum staff. This packet includes:
   1. Research Request Form – All fields that can be filled out should be (the more information we have, the better!)
   2. Photo or Image Reproduction Schedule
   3. Reproduction Fee Schedule
   4. Use Fees – based on the circumstance
      1. For Profit – This applies to anyone seeking information or photos for things like books, magazines, documentaries, etc
      2. Non- Profit – This applies to anyone seeking information for personal use, such as a family researcher or a genealogist.
   5. Copyright Policy – This must be initialed, agreeing that if material is used, DMCHS is recognized and cited as the source.
2. Possible Archival materials are pulled. Archival materials will be pulled the day before the researcher arrives by a trained collections staff or volunteer. These items will be compiled and placed on the Collections Island in the stacks area for convenience. Artifacts will be presented upon arrival at the research desk. Materials that are allowed to be pulled are dictated by the research policy (based on condition and age of material).
3. Researcher will be provided space at the research desk to review materials. All associated paperwork must be signed before archival material is produced.  Note that researchers will be supervised at all times while handling archival materials. Researchers are never allowed in secure collections areas and material will be provided to them in a clean, secure environment.
4. Creating copies or scans – Based on the usage fee schedule, materials can be reproduced. If the researcher simply wants a copy for personal research purposes, see 1.3 above. To reproduce on a large scale, see 1.4 above, based on need.  Payment must be made at the time material is distributed and reproduced.