Access to records

Members of the public are welcome to visit the Archives by appointment. Access is permitted to any record that is listed in the finding aids and not subject to an exemption under the Freedom of Information Act, 2000, or an exception under the Environmental Information Regulations, 2004.

Use of the archives is subject to a number of conditions, which are designed to ensure the security and preservation of the records. Signing the visitor’s registration form constitutes agreement to abide by these conditions for access.

A database of our holdings is available in the Archives Office, which enables public user searching via a variety of indexes. Hardcopy versions of the catalogues are also available.

Subject to copyright restrictions and the condition of the original, photocopies and photographs of records, and video copies of films, may be ordered. A price list for copies and services is available.

Anyone wishing to publish or broadcast material from the Archives, in whole or in part, will need to obtain permission in writing from the copyright holder(s) beforehand. The Archives Service may be able to help with identification but responsibility for securing the correct clearances rests with the reader. BAS reserves the right to charge a reproduction fee irrespective of copyright.

Visitors that haven’t used an archives service before may be interested in the Using Archives: A Guide for the Inexperienced produced by The Archives Hub.