Hello: I have often seen others use laptop computers in the library and most of them infact in the research area. the Family file material should be printed copy. It will be placed in a folder and reference cards made for the surnames listed in the file. The family files are placed in the rear of the research area in file cabinets under the initials of the surnames. A great many people use these files of information and make copies of what is of interest to them on the copy machine there. If you have references for the materials included that is always very helpful to the researchers. Thanks for writing :-) Pat