Reading Rooms

Our reading rooms also contain microfilm readers for the use of archival content accessible in this format. The use of personal laptops in the reading rooms is permitted.

The reading rooms' opening hours, policies and practical conditions vary somewhat between the institutions. More information on this is available on the web pages for the National Archives or the Regional State Archives (for now only in Norwegian). Please be aware that the Opening Hours of the Libraries of the National Archives and of the Regional State Archives differ from the opening hours of their reading rooms.

Feel Free to Ask Us!

Working with archival content tends to be more difficult than reading printed literature. Do not hesitate to ask for help. The staff can give you the necessary guidance on what kind of archival material you need, how to find your way through these records, and how to read difficult handwriting or type. However, you must be prepared to undertake the main part of the search efforts yourself.

Preparations Prior to Visiting the Reading Room

Prior to visiting the reading room of the National Archives or any of the regional state archives, you should collect facts that may be useful to your search.

• Do some research in publications. Your library can assist you with this. Some libraries also have archival content on microfilm.

• What government office do you think handled the case you are looking for?

• Old documents you keep at home may contain information on file numbers, dates, etc.

• Do a search in the main finding aids. Perhaps you will find an archival reference that will help you further along the way.

• Genealogists should collect as much known information as possible in advance. This may include names, dates of birth, places of birth, etc. 
  
  More information on Genealogical Research.
  
  Do some research in the Digital Archives.
  

In the Reading Room

It is important to study the archival data in a systematic fashion.

• Always write down accurate references (archival series, number, page number) when you find relevant information.

• You should also keep a record of which material you have reviewed without finding anything.

• Please adhere closely to the reading room regulations.
  

The National Archives and the regional state archives offer library services in connection with their reading rooms. The literature available there is only for use in the reading rooms, not for home loans.