ARA Member Code of Conduct Agreement

The Archival Researcher Association (ARA) recognizes the need for mutual trust between archives staff and ARA members who use their research facilities. A responsible partnership requires respect for and acknowledgment of the work that each does. 

All ARA members are expected to adhere to these guidelines:

  • Behave respectfully when performing research or representing clients at our national archives and other facilities.
  • Members are expected to adhere to any policies which are in place at archives and research facilities. 
  • Members are expected to use best practice procedures for the handling, care, and preservation of archival material.
  • The ARA expects honesty and integrity from all members providing professional research services to others.

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in the dismissal of any member at the discretion of the ARA Ethics Committee.

The ARA Professional Listing

The ARA provides this listing as a convenience for the public to connect with respected professional researchers from among our membership.

We require our professional members to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Please note: When you engage a professional member listed here, that agreement is a private transaction between yourself and that business. Any such transaction is neither overseen nor endorsed by the ARA.

The ARA does not assume responsibility or liability for any action taken by a member without prior written approval of the full ARA Board of Directors. The Association does not offer or assume responsibility for any damages arising from use of the Professional Listing.

Complaint process

Any complaint regarding improper behavior on the part of a member or professional researcher should be reported to the ARA through the website contact form. Repeated and/or serious complaints or violations will lead to a review of a member’s standing within the association and may lead to their removal from the professional researcher for hire listing and/or membership in the ARA at the discretion of the Ethics Committee.

The ARA Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke or decline membership in the association at any time for any reason.