Distance Research

The Research Library charges a fee for research inquiries that require response by phone, e-mail, fax, or mail. Services that may incur a research fee include:

• Research in catalogs and indexes, clipping files and databases
• Locating, retrieving, and searching manuscript collections
• Requests that require conservation or courier services

Research assistance is $60.00 per hour, with a minimum charge of $30.00.The fees may be waived for inquiries requiring only nominal assistance.

Please be as specific as you can about what you want to find. Include names, dates, and locations. If you need a particular kind of medium or format, such as maps, manuscripts, or photographs, be sure to note it. Also include a brief list of sources you’ve already consulted.

Staff members cannot undertake extensive research but will, within reasonable limits, provide information from or about research library holdings. Mail and email requests are generally answered in the order received, so it may take a few weeks before you receive a response.

• Send us your request by mail, telephone, e-mail or fax.
• Include delivery information such as your name, address, phone number, and fax number.
• Pay in advance by sending a check or credit card information for the minimum fee ($30). If your project will involve extensive research, you may send us a check, or authorize credit card charges, for the number of hours of research you wish to have us do for you.
• Allow up to 6 to 8 weeks for a response to a research assistance request.

Please consult the Online Collections Catalog and Using the Research Library before sending your reference request.

Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97205-2483
Reference Line Phone: (503) 306-5240
Research Library Fax: (503) 219-2040
Reference e-mail: libreference@ohs.org