A few weeks ago a request for information on Va-Roots led to some discussion
about public access to local records and which localities required a letter
of permission from a clerk before a researcher could consult original
records.

The staff here at the Library of Virginia advise me that it is still
necessary for a few localities to obtain a letter of permission to examine
original (unbound) local records archived at the Library of Virginia. Those
juriscitions are Essex County, Gloucester County, Madison County, Russell
County, Scott County, Wise County, and the city of Staunton. There is some
doubt about the status of the records for Richmond County and for the city
of Richmond. The records for Southampton County have recently been freed
from restriction. These restrictions are probably the result of local clerks
obtaining orders from local judges for the protection and preservation of
the records, and of course archivists here cannot overrule judges anywhere.

The archivists may occasionally impose temporary restrictions on access to
records that are being processed or indexed.

Brent Tarter
The Library of Virginia
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