[Ger-Poland-Volhynia] photographing in archives

[karlann at juno.com]

I have recently done research in German archives in Germany and also have many years of experience working in research libraries in the United States and abroad. I would suggest that no library wants someone taking photographs of their original documents  except  tnrough their own established policies and procedures. 
If an archives asks you to order photocopies through their service, and you pay for it, and you do not receive it, then you should write to them repeatedly to inquire about your photocopy order.
I have had marvelous experiences in German archives in which we could not photograph documents but could photograph ourselves at work on the premises, and we had our photocopy requests filled in a timely way, with documents mailed to our home address within six weeks.  I would hope that Polish archives will strive to achieve a similar standard, if patrons show willingness to pay for the services they want and the archives want to be operating in a business-like way.
I have also found that hiring a local researcher/translator, someone who has worked in the local archives before, is extremely helpful in finessing many of these issues.  
Karla Walters
 
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