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Research Access Conditions:

To preserve and monitor access to the collections, the Souris Valley Museum (referred to as the “Museum” moving forward) requires that all researchers read and agree to the following conditions:

On-Site Research
1. The “Museum" has the right to restrict access to legitimate researchers (including school students) and to deny privileges to any person found to be damaging, disorderly, or removing items from the collections/archives.

2. All collections are for use only within the “Museum”.

3. For the protection of the objects and documents that are very often irreplaceable, researchers are required to only use pencils for taking notes. Pens and inks are not allowed.

4. Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted at any time while working with the collections.

5. Objects and documents must be handled with great care (using gloves at the guidance of the Director/Curator) and should be returned in their original condition and order. Problems encountered with the items being researched must be reported to the Director/Curator or other "Museum" staff.

6. Researchers are required to check all personal belongings other than notepaper and pencils with the Director/Curator while working with the collections.

7. The “Museum” reserves the right to question researchers and to undertake searches of briefcases, handbags, and/or other containers prior to leaving the premises.

8. Requests for photocopies can be made to the Director/Curator who will copy items at their discretion, considering the item’s condition as well as privacy and copyright laws. Fees will be charged for copies of records &/or images. Please see fee schedule.

9. Photographs of archival materials is not permitted without prior approval of “Museum” staff.

10. The “Museum” expects that researchers will acknowledge the Souris Valley Museum as the source of information obtained.

11. Violation of the above regulations may result in the cancellation of research privileges.


12. Completing and signing the Research Request Form constitutes the agreement between the researcher and the “Museum” to adhere to the above requirements.

Remote Research
1. Prior to agreeing to do the research request, an assessment by the Director/Curator must be done to the ability to complete the request.

2. No guarantee can be made that the request will be able to find the information requested.

3. Response to the request will vary according to “Museum” staff time. We recommend that the researcher approve 1-2 hours of research time to all “Museum” staff to survey the collection, advise of available material, and estimate of costs to copy materials.
a. The Director/Curator will recommend the most cost-effective solution. The researcher must clearly define the research objectives and priorities in advance of research start time.
b. Research time will be prorated to the nearest ¼ hour.

4. Research fees will be applied to an information inquiry when part or all the research is done by “Museum” staff. The researcher will be informed of the estimated cost before the work begins. Fees will be charged as per the fee schedule.

5. Payment of research fees is due upon research completion. Research will be delivered once full payment is received. An invoice from the “Museum” will be provided to the researcher requesting the materials.

6. Any waived fees will be authorized by the Director/Curator on a case-by-case basis.

Research Fee Schedule
Research library use (in-person): FREE – supervised by “Museum” staff
Research Inquiries: $20/hour (prorated to nearest ¼ hr)
Rush Research Inquiries: $40/hour
<10 mins: restricted to 1 inquiry per person within 1 year - FREE

Photocopies & Scans
Black & White copy: $0.50/page
Color copy: $1.50/page
Image Scan(photo): $1.00/page (300 dpi ;8.5x11 or 11x17)
Document Scan: $1.00/page (300 dpi ;8.5x11 or 11x17)
Postage Fees: customer responsibility as per Canada Post delivery charges