Planning a Research Visit to the State Archives

The State Archives Research Room is reopening to the public on July 7th, 2025! Please call or email the Reference Desk to make an appointment.

Contact Information

South Dakota State Archives
900 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
Reference Desk Phone: (605) 773-3804
Reference Desk Email: StateArchives@state.sd.us

Appointments, Registration, and Visit Preparations

1.   The archives research room will be open Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments are in two blocks (9:00 a.m.to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Call or email the Reference Desk to make an appointment. Researchers who anticipate spending the day in the archives will need to make two appointments. If you plan to bring a partner or research assistant with you, please indicate this while making the appointment so accomodations can be made.

2.   The archives research room will be closed to the public between noon and 1:00 p.m. to allow staff to prepare for the afternoon appointments.

3.   While making the appointment, researchers must indicate which collections they will need. Please be as specific as possible with box numbers, library call numbers, microfilm roll numbers, etc. These materials will be pulled and waiting for you in the research room, which will help you use your time more efficiently. We have a number of online indexes you can use to find materials, as well as our Library Catalog and ArchivesSpace. If you have problems, or need assistance locating materials, please contact the Reference Desk.

4.   All visitors will complete a researcher registration form which lists the rules regarding use of archival collections and researching in the archives. A signature indicates agreement and compliance with the rules. Please review this form prior to your appointment.

5.   If you would like to use a digital camera to take photos, please complete the Digital Camera Use Form and bring it with you to the archives.

Arrival

1.   You will be asked to store any belongings not required for note taking in a locker.

2.   The research room has two public computers available and free Wi-Fi for researchers.

Research

1.   The materials you requested will be on a cart next to your assigned table.

2.   Archival materials are often unique, irreplaceable, and fragile. Please handle items with care and obey any special instructions given to you by archives staff. For a full list of handling rules, please see the researcher registration form.

3.   Scratch paper and pencils will be available to researchers for note taking. Return the pencils to the Reference Desk when you are finished.

4.   Residue from hand sanitizer has been shown to damage archival materials. Instead of using hand sanitizer, please wash your hands with soap and water in the restroom.

5.   You can print from the microfilm readers for $1.00 per page, and request photocopies of other materials for $0.25 per page. Let archives staff know if you need photocopies. You can also use a digital camera to take an unlimited number of images for $15 per day (Digital Camera Use Form).

Departure

1.   When you are finished researching, return all materials to your cart.

2.   Go to the Reference Desk to pay for your photocopies.

3.   Retrieve your belongings from the locker and depart.

Research Services

If you are unable to visit the archives research room in person, staff can provide research services through telephone, email, and mail requests for a fee (Fee Schedule). Newspaper microfilm can also be requested through inter-library loan. Please contact the Reference Desk for more information, or to submit a request.