Your In-Person Research Experience Matters!

The National Archives and Records Administration is committed to providing equitable and effective services for all.  This includes our in-person research services.  It is our goal to ensure a positive experience at each of our locations.

In-Person Researcher Feedback

Our success is closely tied to our ability to hear directly and regularly from in-person researchers about their experiences with our services.  Your feedback helps us better understand what’s working for you, what’s not, and how we can continuously improve.

Here's how you can share:

Enlarge

Photograph of researcher Mike DuBois examining a letter in the research room of the National Archives Building. National Archives Identifier: 23855361

View in National Archives Catalog

 

Tell Us About Your Experience 

Have you recently conducted research at one of the National Archives on-site research facilities, interacted with a member of our team, or completed a step of the in-person research process (consultation, appointment scheduling, orientation etc)?  

Complete our three question customer experience survey.  

Quarterly Research Room Experience Survey 

In addition to our three question customer experience survey, we also issue a quarterly research room experience survey.  At the beginning of each quarter of the federal fiscal year, all researchers who conducted on-site research at a NARA research facility during the prior quarter will receive a survey link to provide feedback on their experience.

Periodic In-Person Researcher Forums and Listening Sessions

Surveys are great, conversations are even better!  Opening our spaces to directly engage with our in-person researchers about their service experience with us is a top priority.  NARA is committed to connecting with you through in-person forums and listening sessions. Information about upcoming forums and listening sessions will be posted here as they are scheduled.  

Past Sessions: 

Washington, DC, Area

In October and November 2023, we held two listening sessions at the National Archives in Washington, DC (Archives I), and the National Archives at College Park, MD (Archives II). These sessions highlighted practical challenges faced by users and some common themes. 

What we heard:

Each of these topics is being reviewed by NARA leadership. We will post more detailed information about these and other policy concerns as decisions are made. ​

• Interest in changes to the appointment system
• Feedback on  the National Archives Catalog
• Concern about knowledge transfer among archival staff