I too hope old records will be protected, with access for copies. In the NC State Archives building,Raleigh,NC, you are screened before entering the room,and once inside, you are watched at all times to make sure you handle documents/papers as per their instructions. You must use pencils,not ink pens. You have to sign in and out . Believe me,if you forget their instructions,they remind you. That is good. I want to know that if in the year 2009, I find I want copies of Joe Blow's will, it will be there. Carrie Rowe

Many (most?) depositories of old documents (special collections in university libraries, for example) must take extra precautions to protect their papers.....unfortunately not all researchers are trustworthy....even some college professors have been guilty of stealing documents...in my own family searches, one depository has several documents which were indexed, but have been "removed." Sadly, no one other than fellow descendants would have been interested in those particular documents. Midge Garza