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Archiver > SUVCW > 2007-03 > 1172854282


From: "Ernest Everett Blevins" <>
Subject: [SUVCW] Fwd: [WAROF1812] National Archives Plans To Raise Fees ForCopies
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 11:51:22 -0500
References: <45E6EB39.2040902@erols.com>
In-Reply-To: <45E6EB39.2040902@erols.com>


This is from the War of 1812 mail list but is pertient to us.

Ernie
Commander, Kennesaw Mountain #3, Georgia
Patriotic Instructor, Elias Moon #2, Georgia
List Adminstrator

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Harold McClendon <>
Date: Mar 1, 2007 10:03 AM
Subject: [WAROF1812] National Archives Plans To Raise Fees For Copies
To: War of 1812 <>

Dear Researcher:

If you are considering ordering a copy of a pension file from the
National Archives, you better do it quickly as the price may go up
considerably.

The National Archives is continuing to struggle with its budget
problems. First it reduced its hours of operation. It is now proposing
to increase its charges for copying materials. Since this is the first
increase in seven years, it is substantial. Attached is a pdf file of
the proposed regulation.

Apparently the Congress does not provide any funds to cover the Archives
cost in making copies of documents for the public. These costs are to
be recovered from the individual requesting the copy. Periodically, the
Archives reviews their cost and adjust their fees accordingly.
The Archives is increasing their fees for when you mail in a request for
copies of documents as well as for using the self-service copiers or on
the microfilm reader printer.

The largest increase is for a full copy of a pension file from the Civil
War period that is requested by mail. Currently this fee is $37 and it
is being increased to $125.00. The explanation provided by the Archives
is that when they set the current rate, they estimated the average size
of a folder to be 40 to 50 pages. They have now found that the average
file size is much larger.

The cost for self-service copiers is being increased from $0.15 to $0.25
in Washington and $0.20 in other parts of the country and the cost of a
copy from the microfilm printer will increase from $0.30 to $0.50.

If you would like to comment on these regulations, you should send a
letter to the following address:

Regulations Comments Desk (NPOL)
Room 4100
Policy and Planning Staff
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001

You might also consider sending a letter to your representatives in the
House of Representatives and the Senate. They are the ones who required
the Archives to make the providing of copies to the public a
self-sustaining operation. They are also the ones responsible for the
appropriation for the Archives. Simply put if we who need and use the
Archives fail to make our needs known to the Congress, we will find a
continued reduction in service and increases in fees.

On a related note, you can reduce your cost of making copies at the
Archives by using a digital camera. I have a camera that I can set the
film speed to 800 and turn off the flash, tripod, and AC adapter. I
take it into the library and set it up at a table near an electrical
outlet. I quickly go through a file without ever having to leave my
desk. I can also do a fairly good job with a microfilm reader as my
tripod clips on the side of the hood. I then come home, upload the
images into my computer where I enlarge the image, change the contrast
and generally clean up the image. I then have a much better copy than I
can make at the Archives, I have a digital copy that I put on a CD as a
backup, and I did not have to pay the Archives anything. Another way to
do the same thing is with a scanner and a laptop. Most places such as
the Archives and the Library of Congress will permit you to use these
type of devices. Unfortunately, the DAR insist that you use their copier.

Comments are due to the National Archives by April 27, 2007.

I would also be interested in hearing from you as to your comments on
the proposed fee increase.

Harold McClendon
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society
Alexandria, Virginia
Publicity Chairman

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--
Ernest Everett Blevins, MFA
Blevins Historical Research
110 Evergreen Way
Villa Rica, Georgia 30180
770-456-1876

Save the Old Villa Rica Library! Write the mayor at
and City officials listed on
http://villarica.org/council_members.php. Tell them the benefits of keeping
National Register Eligible Properties.

Historic Preservation Consultant -- Historical and Architectural Research --
Genealogical (Family) Research -- Preservation Planning and Documentation --
House History

Member: American Planning Association, Ambassador of the New England
Historic Genealogical Society, Historian: Casimir Pulaski SAR, Registrar:
Georgia Society of Founders & Patriots, and member of numerous other
lineage and heritage societies.

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