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Archivist stamping folders
In the Textual Processing Room at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, an archivist prepares acid-free folders that will hold Presidential documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just walk in and use your Research Room?

Details about the Research Room can be found here. Visits to the Research Room are currently by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please contact the Library via email or telephone at (214) 346-1557 to schedule a research visit. New researchers are issued a researcher identification card. A valid photo ID to obtain a researcher ID is required. New researchers are required to view an orientation presentation.

Do I have to go through security to use the Research Room?

To make your experience safe and enjoyable, be prepared for the Security Check. The George W. Bush Presidential Library is a U.S. Federal agency; weapons are not allowed. Upon entry, all visitors must pass through a security check with a metal detector. All weapons, including guns, knife blades exceeding 2.5 inches in length, multipurpose tools, and stun-guns, will be confiscated and not returned. All bags are X-rayed, and possibly, searched. Inform the security staff that you are conducting research so your bag may be stowed in a locker in the Researcher Orientation Room. To enter the Research Room, all bags must be stowed in a locker.

Who can use the Research Room?

Anyone can use the Research Room; you do not need to be a U.S. citizen, or present credentials or a letter of recommendation. However, you must be 14 years old to do research, unless you receive special permission or are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

How do I submit a FOIA Request?

Guidance and tips on submitting FOIA requests can be found here.

Is there a cost to submit a FOIA request?

The George W. Bush Presidential Library is the 13th Presidential Library operated by the NARA. The National Archives does not charge Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) filing, searching, or processing fees. However, standard reproduction fees are charged for copying historic records. See the FOIA Reference Guide for details.

How do I obtain copies of photographs and other audiovisual material from the Bush Administration?

The George W. Bush Presidential Library holds approximately 30,000 audiovisual recordings, 227 cubic feet of photo negatives, and just over 3.8 million photographs created by the White House Photo Office. To order photographs and videos, see the AV Reproduction Fee Schedule.

How much are the reproduction fees?

For information on the cost of copying documents can be found here. To order photographs and videos, see the AV Reproduction Fee Schedule.

How do I get a tour of the Archives and see what goes on behind the scenes?

The Library offers a Research Room for anyone interested in doing research. We encourage researchers to contact us at gwbush.library@nara.gov before your visit so we can be ready with the documents you wish to see. We do not give tours of non-public areas of the facility at this time.

How do I cite records from your Archives on my research paper?

Follow these guidelines for citations for records retrieved from the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

Who do I contact for Vice President Richard B. Cheney's official records?

The official Vice Presidential records of Richard B. Cheney are preserved and made publicly available for research through the Archival Operations Division, a part of the National Archives and Records Administration, in Washington, DC. These records are subject to the provisions of FOIA.

    Archival Operations Division, NARA
    700 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Room G7, Washington, DC 20408-0001
    Phone: 202-357-5200; Fax: 202-357-5941
    Email: presidential.materials@nara.gov

How do I contact the Library with more questions?

George W. Bush Presidential Library
2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205
Main Phone: 214-346-1650
Archives: 214-346-1557

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