With few exceptions, the records of the NPA are open to public research with access to the vast majority of records unrestricted.
Access to individual records is specified by terms of the FANHS agreed upon by the donor of the specific records and the NPA at the time of gift and receipt.
Some accessions may be subject to restrictions imposed to insure the integrity of certain individuals and to protect certain privacy rights, according to the wishes of the respective donor. No card catalogues are available.
A computerized general listing of all inventoried acquisitions is maintained. Volunteer NPA docents may be available to most collections.
Materials are to be scrutinized and studied only in the FANHS facilities.
No records will be released outside of the NPA premises for study use or other purposes.
However, copies of selected items may be arranged to be duplicated and ordered but requests are screened because of a lack of staff to comply with most requests. Researchers are urged to come to the NPA to do their own work. Duplication of selected items can be arranged with and payable to FANHS.
For access to the Demonstration Project for Asian American collections of photographic and other graphic materials, the same general rules apply with users subject to reproduction costs, release forms and copyright regulations as determined, imposed and approved by the FANHS' Executive Director.
Fees also are charged for special mailing requests.