Conducting Research
Who may use the Library's collections?
How do I prepare for a research visit to the Library?
When is the Library open for research?
Finding aids to the Library's manuscript collections
Subject guides to the Library's holdings
What are the research room procedures?
Electronic and recording devices
How are records opened for research?
What kind of information is restricted?
How does the copyright law affect research?
The Eisenhower Foundation's Host Committee
Information on local lodging and dining options
How do I cite material from the Library?
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
Classified Materials and Mandatory Review Requests
• Who may use the Library's collections?
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library is open to everyone. Research requests can be made by mail, e-mail, or telephone. Research also may be conducted on-site in the Library research room. On-site researchers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult researcher.
• How do I prepare for a research visit to the Library?
Researchers planning a visit should notify the Library of their research topic and travel plans as far in advance as possible. Prospective researchers are strongly encouraged to contact the Library for information about materials available on their topic. Upon arrival at the Library, each researcher will be assigned an archivist who will assist in obtaining relevant holdings. Researchers will also be briefed on research room procedures. It is preferable to arrange an appointment time with the interviewing archivist prior to arrival.
• When is the Library open for research?
The research room is open year-round, Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to noon and 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. with no materials being pulled after 3:30 p.m.; and closed on all federal holidays.
• Finding aids to the Library's manuscript collections
Finding aids vary considerably in size and detail. Some consist of annotated container (folder title) lists; but the container lists for most have extensive annotations following each folder title, indicating the subjects documented by the folder. Some finding aids also have scope and content notes which give an overview of the collection. In the future, as more staff time becomes available for descriptive projects, finding aids will be refined, and in time a comprehensive listing for the entire collection will be prepared.
Finding aids to Library collections are available to researchers through interlibrary loan. In requesting finding aids please identify the desired finding aids by title and series.
Because of the complexity of archival research, scholars should be cautious about attempting to conduct research off-site by relying on keyword searches. Researchers devising a preliminary search strategy will need to consider the functions of offices and individuals, the types of documents most likely to meet their needs, and the time frame of the event or issue they are researching.
Keyword subject searches can be useful for identifying some of the files critical to a researcher's subject, particularly if the files were originally created as subject files or in such instances when the Library staff has provided subject annotations following folder titles (such annotations are enclosed in brackets [ ]).
Many folders have broad subject titles (e.g. "Asia"), that relate to categories of documents or official functions (e.g. "Press Conference Transcripts"), that have chronological headings (e.g. "Correspondence, March 1955") or bear the name of individuals (e.g. "Douglas Dillon") and are more difficult to approach via straight forward keyword searching. Finding Aids online
• Subject guides to the Library's manuscript collections
The oral history collection has been built upon two major components: (1) the Eisenhower Presidential Library's own interviews, and (2) transcripts acquired through a cooperative arrangement with Columbia University's Oral History Project. A third and smaller component consists of a number of oral history interviews donated to the Library by various institutions and individuals. Oral History Transcripts online
The Eisenhower Presidential Library does not loan microfilm or manuscripts from their collections; however, the vast majority of oral history transcripts in the Library's holdings may be obtained through interlibrary loan. In some cases, however, the donor has restricted use to scholars visiting the research facility. A current list of transcripts available for interlibrary loan may be obtained from the Library. Interlibrary loan requests for oral history transcripts are subject to the same limitation of six items per request. For more information on interlibrary loan of oral history transcripts please visit our Oral Histories section.
Requests for oral history interview transcripts through interlibrary loan should be directed to:
Eisenhower Presidential Library
Attn: Interlibrary Loan Service
P.O. Box 339
Abilene, KS 67410
Phone: 785-263-6700
Toll Free: 1-877-746-4453
Fax: 785-263-6715
eisenhower.library@nara.gov
• What are the research room procedures?
Persons wishing to examine the historical materials in the Library must use them in the research room. The room is open from 9:15 a.m. to noon, and 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Researchers must register once each day. Eating is permitted only in the staff lunch room on the first floor of the Library. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings.
Researchers should report to the reception office on the first floor of the Eisenhower Presidential Library. If the reception office is not staffed, researchers can use the telephone provided in the Library Lobby to contact the research room staff.
Before research can be begin, researchers will be asked to produce photo identification (drivers license, passport, student identification card) and complete a brief application form. The research room attendant will explain research room regulations and services. Once the orientation is complete, a research card valid for 3 years will be issued.
Researchers are required to use available lockers for storage of briefcases, ring binders, newspapers, and parcels before entering the research room. Handbags are allowed in the research room, but, on request, must be presented to a member of the staff for examination whenever the researcher leaves the room. Upon leaving the building, researchers may also be asked to present for examination notebooks, packages, envelopes, and books.
Researchers will sign and be responsible for archival materials until they are returned to a staff member. Researchers examining loose, unbound papers and records are requested to use materials from only one folder at a time and replace the materials in the same order as received. If researchers find items that appear to be misfiled, they should bring them to the attention of an archivist.
Pencils, small word processors or laptop computers may be used for taking notes. Tape recorders may be used provided that permission is given by the research room staff and that the use will not disrupt reference activities.
If researchers need more material or wish to consult an archivist, they should inform the research room staff. Researchers leaving the building for the day should tell the staff which materials to hold for them and which to refile.
The Library has equipment for making electrostatic, and sound recording reproductions of materials in its holdings. Photographic services are available upon request. A current fee schedule for reproduction services is available from the Library upon request.
A self-service photocopy machine is available for use by researchers in the research room.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library accepts most major credit cards, cash, or personal checks as payment for copies. Checks should be made payable to the Eisenhower Presidential Library.
• Electronic and Recording Devices
The use of digital cameras, and tripods, is allowed in the research room. Cell phone calls must be placed and received outside the research room and staff areas; usage is allowed in the Library Lobby and outside the building. Document scanners will be approved by the Supervisory Archivist on a case-by-case basis.
The Library has equipment for making electrostatic, and sound recording reproductions of materials in its holdings. Photographic services are available upon request. A current fee schedule for reproduction services is available. A self-service photocopy machine is available for use by researchers in the research room.
The National Archives sets a standard fee for mail order reproduction services. Please review the reproductions fee schedule for current fees. Photocopies are sent by regular mail. Advance payment is required for large orders. Alternate shipping arrangements (ie. FedEx) can be made at the researcher’s expense. When ordering photocopies by mail, researchers should be as specific as possible with regard to their request. The Library staff can neither undertake extensive searches nor segregate items unrelated to a researcher’s topic. The staff will photocopy the entire contents of any folder the researcher cites from a finding aid.
Payment may be made in cash, U.S. postal money order, bank draft, or check, to the Eisenhower Presidential Library. Payment may also be made by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover (Novus). Remittances received from outside the U.S. must be made by international money orders payable in U.S. dollars or by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover (Novus).
• How are records opened for research?
The records of the Library must be systematically arranged, preserved, reviewed and described by archivists before they can be made available for use by researchers. Some of the collections opened for research will have information withdrawn from the open files.
• What kind of information is restricted?
Materials in the Library are available on an equal basis to all researchers. However, researchers will find portions of some processed manuscript collections closed either in accordance with restrictions imposed by the donors or by government regulations. Furthermore, some manuscript collections described in the list of holdings have not yet been processed and opened to research, while other collections have been only partially processed and opened.
General categories of material closed at present include papers containing information the disclosure of which would endanger the nation's security or injure living persons. Descriptions of restricted documents may be found on "withdrawal sheets" in the file folders from which such material has been removed. Researchers having questions about the availability of specific collections should write to the Library.
Some portions of oral history interviews are also closed in accordance with the wishes of the donors. When an entire interview is closed, or advance permission is required in order to use transcripts, the restriction is noted in the list of oral history transcripts. Researchers desiring to use transcripts should write to the Library and inquire about specific restrictions.
Under the provisions of Executive Order 12958 as Amended by Executive Order 13292, researchers may request a mandatory declassification review of security classified materials in the custody of the Library. Such requests must be made in writing and must describe the material to be reviewed in sufficient detail to enable the Library staff to identify it. The Library will provide instructions concerning procedures to be followed in initiating requests for mandatory review of classified materials.
Provisions of the Freedom of Information Act are not applicable to donated historical materials accessioned by the Library. However, the Library does have in its custody a small quantity of federal records, portions of which are closed by statute or agency restrictions, to which the FOIA does apply. Persons wishing to initiate requests for access to closed federal records under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act should consult with the Library staff.
• How does the copyright law affect research?
The United States Copyright Law (PL. 94-553) extends statutory rights of authorship to unpublished works, which were previously protected by literary property rights under common law. Such works do not have to be registered with the Copyright Office to receive protection under the law. In general, the law provides copyright protection for the term of the life of the author plus fifty years. Unpublished and uncopyrighted works created before January 1, 1978, are covered as of that date by this same provision and are protected until at least December 31, 2002.
The Copyright Law provides for "fair use" of copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright holder. Fair use encompasses scholarship and research, although the extent of such use is bounded by limitations on quotation and reproduction. The Library's staff cannot interpret for researchers the limits of "fair use"; if a researcher has any doubt that his or her intended use of historical materials is consonant with current legal interpretations of fair use, he or she should contact an attorney specializing in copyright law.
Although a large portion of the historical materials listed in this catalog has been donated to the National Archives and Records Administration, please bear in mind that conveyance of such materials as physical property does not automatically carry with it assignment of copyright. Ordinarily, instruments of gift conveying title to the National Archives and Records Administration contain a clause specifying either that copyright in the literary or artistic property of the collection's creator has been retained by the creator or the creator's literary heirs, or that it has been assigned to the people of the United States, thus placing such material in the so-called "public domain".
It is important to bear in mind that a collection of historical materials may contain the literary or artistic property of persons other than the collection's creator. Consequently, clauses of instruments of gift governing copyright apply only to the literary and artistic property of the individual around whom the collection was created.
John Doe, or his heirs, may own copyright in John Doe's writings found within the Papers of John R. Doe, but copyright in incoming correspondence from Andrew Smith found within the John Doe Papers would be controlled by Andrew Smith or his literary heirs unless such copyright has been assigned to the public domain. The Library will in some cases be able to provide information about the copyright status of such "other party" literary or artistic property, but in many instances researchers will have to investigate such matters independently.
Researchers should note that, in as much as the Library owns no copyright in the historical materials it possesses, the Library has no authority to grant permission to publish copyrighted materials by signing releases or other such documents. The Library's role in such matters is to identify, when such information is available, the owners of copyright in order that researchers who wish to publish copyrighted materials may seek permission to do so.
Researchers with specific questions about the copyright law should obtain legal advice. Please note that federal employees are not authorized to provide guidance with regard to copyright laws. The copyright law does not apply to material in the public domain or material produced by government employees in the course of their official duties.
• Are travel grants available?
• The Eisenhower Foundation's Host Committee
The Eisenhower Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the mission of the Eisenhower Presidential Library. Unique among the presidential library foundations, the Eisenhower Foundation has a Host Committee that is pleased to offer assistance to researchers during their stay in Abilene. The host committee consists of Foundation executive members who are local community leaders and business and professional people.
Please let us know if you are interested in any of the following free services during your stay in our community:
• Pick up or return to nearby Junction City, Kansas when using the Road Runner Express ground transportation from Kansas City International Airport
• Use of one of the Foundation’s bicycles for local transportation
• Assistance in making appointments with doctors, dentists, optometrists, etc. during your time in Abilene
Please contact us before or after you arrive, if we may help facilitate your research visit to the Eisenhower Presidential Library. We hope you have a pleasant stay in Abilene.
Eisenhower Foundation
200 S.E. 4th Street
Abilene, KS 67410
Phone: 785-263-6700
Toll Free: 1-877-746-4453
eisenhowerfoundation@nara.gov
• Information on local lodging and dining options
Please visit the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau website for information on lodging and dining in the Abilene area.
• How do I cite material from the Library?
There is no universal format for citing materials from this archival depository. While the Library cannot require the use of a standard form of footnote by researchers in their writings, it is important that citations clearly indicate the location of items. This will help the researcher who may want to use the material again, the Library staff who may be asked for cited documents, and other researchers.
A citation should identify completely the particular document used by type, name of sender and recipient, date, file folder title, box number, series (if applicable), collection, and the Library. Other information may be given, but citations should be kept simple.
The following fictitious citations may be helpful:
Memorandum of conversation, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John Foster Dulles, and Harold Macmillan, June 22, 1958, DDE Diary - June 1958 (4), Box 30, DDE Diaries Series, Papers of Dwight D. Eisenhower as President, 1953-61, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Christian A. Herter to Dwight D. Eisenhower, March 31, 1959, Great Britain 1959 (3), Box 22, International Series, Papers of Dwight D. Eisenhower as President, 1953-61, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Dwight D. Eisenhower to Richard B. Russell, September 27, 1959, Official File 142-A-5-A, Box 732, White House Central Files, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Bryce N. Harlow to Dwight D. Eisenhower, August l8, 1954, in folder for speech of August 19, 1954, Box 4, Speech Series, Records of Bryce N. Harlow, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.
George A. Jacoby to Howard L. Bevis, June 26, 1957, Letters to Corporations and Editors, Box 19, General Subject Series, Records of the President's Committee on Scientists and Engineers, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.
William P. Rogers to Dwight D. Eisenhower, May 20, 1959, Box 8, Chronological Series, William P. Rogers Papers, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.
• Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
While you are at the Eisenhower Presidential Library conducting research, we invite you to consider taking part in our Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This program provides an informal setting where writers, graduate students, historians and others can talk about their research projects. Presentations should be no longer than 20 minutes. If you are interested, please ask the archivist assisting you to contact the lecture series staff in advance of your visit as schedule space is limited.
