Hi ARSC, I've got a few questions for folks working in archives that serve the public - First, under what circumstances will you deny a research / listening request? Close a collection to research altogether? Second, is it an unwritten rule that staff are expected not to perform research, or submit research or listening requests (non-curatorial staff, on personal time)? Third, is there an appeal process when a researcher believes a request is being unnecessarily or unfairly denied? Is social pressure ever justified or effective?

Sorry if this sounds paranoid, but I ask because I've been denied some relatively small requests at 2 of 2 archives I've worked for, for various reasons, and 0 of several/many I haven't. It may be coincidence, or there may be some logic or tradition there I don't understand, but it is frustrating and I'm hoping for some insight from people who have been on either side of this situation. Feel free to respond off-list if you prefer.

Thanks,
Mason