To obtain access to the archives you will need to consult the Finding aid for the collection which comprises an online searchable database which contains a description of each individual file in the archive. This finding aid is located on this site (the Outline of the Content and Structure of the Archive). Once you have identified the material which you wish to consult, you need to complete the necessary Reader Application form and make an appointment. To help make your visit as useful as possible we will need to know the date of your proposed visit. Staff can advise on resources suitable to your needs, but it helps if you have found a reference to the material required. An appointment can be made by email (director@huntmuseum.com) or by post.
Anyone can use the archives. All you need to do is provide some proof of identity (e.g. an identity card, driver’s licence or passport). You will also be required to complete a Reader Application form for access to the archives and you may be asked for a letter of introduction from an appropriate individual or organization.
- Click here for a printer friendly version [PDF] of the Reader Application form.
Access to the archives is governed by the Archives Access Policy as set out below.
Archives Access Policy
General principles
- The Hunt Museum promotes the greatest possible access to its archival collections for research purposes.
- In general, open records are those which are more than 10 years old. In some cases, access to more recent records may be permissible. Access to some archives, including some older than 10 years, may be denied because of poor physical condition, personal and organisational privacy and confidentiality requirements.
- In general, access is not permitted to unprocessed archival material. Access in such cases is at the discretion of the Director.
- Archives are available to all researchers who fulfil the access criteria.
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The archives are for reference only and no borrowing of documents is permissible.
Gaining access
It is possible to gain access to archival collections by two means:
- Visiting the Museum
- Availing of the Museum’s research service
Disabled Access
We have full disabled access to the reading room. There is also a disabled toilet on the premises.
Access criteria
All prospective researchers must fulfil the access criteria:
- Researchers must have a stated research interest. The Hunt Museum must possess archives related to the stated research interest.
- Researchers must agree in writing to abide by the reading room rules.
- Researchers must supply personal and contact information to the Hunt Museum. This is for communication, security and statistical purposes.
- Researchers must complete a Reader Application form.
- Researchers must present photo identity.
- Access privileges may be refused or withdrawn if any of the access criteria outlined here is breached.
Visiting the Museum
It is necessary to have an appointment to consult the archives. Appointments may be made by contacting the Director’s Office. Opening hours are as follows: Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm.
Research service
- Museum staff will respond to brief research queries on behalf of researchers unable to visit the Museum in person. The Museum reserves the right to refuse any request deemed to require an unreasonable amount of staff time.
- Researchers who require extensive research to be completed may find it necessary to hire an independent researcher.
- Those researchers who use the Museum’s research service must complete a Reader Application form.
Publishing or reproducing archival documents
- Materials in the Hunt Museum Archives are protected by relevant Irish copyright legislation, the Copyright and Related Rights Act, 2000.
- The Hunt Museum will provide copies of a reasonable number of documents upon written application by researchers (print out and complete the Copy Request form). By providing photocopies, photographic copies, digital images, electronic copies or copies in any other form, the Hunt Museum does not convey the right to reproduce or publish any document.
- Permission to reproduce or publish must be obtained by submitting to the Director, for approval, a Permission to Publish or Use Reproductions of Documents Form.
- The Hunt Museum does not own copyright in all documents in its archival collections. In all cases, acquiring permission to reproduce or publish documents from the copyright holder rests with the researcher.
For further information on the publication or reproduction of archival documents, please see the Museum's Archives Reproduction Policy.
General rules of use
Those using the archives are required to abide by the following rules. Users must sign the Undertaking which follows as a condition of access. The Hunt Museum reserves the right to refuse access.
- Users are responsible for all material issued to them and must be careful at all times when handling original materials and fragile printed works.
- Permission to examine original material does not include permission to publish, which must be applied for separately.
- Users must complete the attendance book on every visit.
- Users must use either a lead pencil or a laptop computer when taking notes.
- Mobile telephones must be turned off in the reading room.
- No food, drink or other substances which may harm archives are permitted in the reading room. Pens, Tipp-Ex, adhesives, newspapers and sharp instruments may not be brought into the reading room. The reading room supervisor may not permit the presence in the reading room of other materials or objects which pose a threat to the safe preservation of archives.
- Users are requested not to attempt to re-arrange archives in any way.
- Users are requested not to mark, fold or alter archival documents. Post-its or similar devices may not be placed on archives as they cause permanent damage.
- Users are requested not lean on archives or use them as a support for writing.
- Archives may not be removed from the reading room.
- Researchers must draw the attention of the reading room supervisor to damaged or missing documents.
- Users may take notes but are not permitted to make a copy in any manner without acquiring the permission of the reading room supervisor.
- Users should seek the advice of the relevant member of Museum staff to ascertain the correct procedure for citing archival documents in publications and other works.
- Users must comply with all other reasonable requests of the reading room supervisor.
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