Sharing

The Central Museum of Prisoners-of-War, within the frameworks of its statute activity, renders its collections available to researchers on the spot and also conducts queries on commission, which consists in searching for information, documents and museum items relating to the POW subject matter, including the vicissitudes of POWs.

We request our visitors to get familiar with the binding rules of using the archival resources belonging to the Museum prior to their planned visit.

Rules of using the archival materials in the reading room/museum study

Application

1. In order to make use of the archival materials remaining in the Museum’s collections, it is necessary to fill in the relevant application form (available here), which includes the applicant’s details and information on the scope of the data which are looked for.
2. Students, additionally, should submit a letter of recommendation from their college, signed by the relevant tutor/supervisor.
3. Other persons (with the exception of research workers of colleges of higher education and research institutes) should present a letter of recommendation from the institution or office on behalf of which they conduct research.
4. Statements on the scope of using information contained in the archives make part of the application.
5. In the case when the application is not filled in or there is a lack of a letter of recommendation, archival materials will not be rendered accessible.
6. Applicants are obliged to give the name/s of the archival collection/s of interest to them. This information must be found individually, using book inventories, card-based inventories and lists available in the Museum’s archive. Workers of the archive can aid interested applicants in doing so on the spot.
7. Applications must be signed personally by applicants – the signature confirming that the user has acquainted himself/herself with the regulations of using the Museum’s archival materials.

Rendering archives available

1. Archival materials or their reproductions (including also microfilms) are made accessible on the basis of an individual order (request form). Order forms are to be filled in individually for each archival item. The receipt should be filled in in a legible manner (block letters), bearing the full name of the requested archival collection or the accepted abbreviation of the name.
2. At any one time it is possible to order up to 10 archival units, with the exception of visitors coming from distant places, who can have 20 items in total made accessible during the given day.
3. Four (4) visitors at the most are allowed to be using the reading room/study at the same time.
4. Copying archival materials can be limited depending on their state. Using visitors’ own copying devices needs obtaining the relevant agreement of the Director of the Museum and is chargeable according to the price list.
5. On finishing the work on the archival materials, the user is obliged to return them to the member of the personnel on duty and inform the latter whether they are to be finally returned to the main store or kept in the depository for further use.
6. Materials which are left in the depository are stored there for a week unless the user notifies the personnel of their wish to use them over a longer period of time.
7. Two archival units are made available at one time. Archival items of particular value are made accessible on the single item basis.
8. Rendering personal files of POWs to visitors is possible exclusively upon obtaining the agreement from the Director of the Museum.

Rules of making use of archival materials

1. While using the materials, it is not allowed to:
   
   a) change the sequence of the archival materials used in the system of their ordering;
   
   b) make any notes, comments or marks directly on the materials;
   
   c) make notes on paper lying directly on the archival item;
   
   d) make the archival item accessible to other users in the study room;
   
   e) leave the archival materials behind on tables upon finishing work.
2. Objects or substances which can cause damage to documents (including food articles, etc.) must not be brought into the Museum reading room/study. Neither are briefcases or bags allowed in the places, with the exception of bags designed for transporting portable computers.
3. While using microfilms, the tape must be placed in the reading device with care so that the tape should not get scratched or cracked. In case the user needs help, workers of the archive will offer assistance.
4. Copying archival materials can be done upon the user’s submitting a relevant request. The order for making copies can be realized on the same day or at a later time. The cost of copying materials is given in the price list for performing specialist archival services.
5. Violation of the above-listed rules by the user or an evident lack of preparation for conducting research on their own shall result in the Director’s of the Museum refusal to render archival materials available to the user.

Full text of the Regulations of making use of the Museum’s archival materials is available here.