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 [log in to unmask] Visit the Library of Virginia's web site at http://www.lva.lib.va.us To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html