Date of tip: 30 September 2005

Source: Giles Scott-Smith [gp.scott-smith@zeeland.nl]

Location: Nieuwe Burg 42, Middelburg, the Netherlands

NB. From summer 2006: Abdij 9, Middelburg, the Netherlands 

How to get there: Most researchers from outside the Netherlands fly into Schiphol and take a direct train Schiphol-Middelburg, which runs once every hour. The journey Schiphol-Middelburg takes 2 hours 15 minutes. From the UK it is possible to take the train – take the Eurostar from Waterloo to Brussels South, change there for the Amsterdam train, and then change again in Roosendaal (1 hour north of Brussels) for the train to Middelburg. Waterloo-Middelburg takes about 5 hours. 

Language: English, Dutch, German  

Getting started: It is essential to arrange your visit with the Center at least one month in advance, to discuss which materials you would like to consult, secure accommodation, and ensure that the reading room is free. 

Opening Hours: 9.30-4.30, Monday to Friday.

General working conditions: The Center consists of a library with several thousand books and journals on 20^th century US domestic and foreign policy, and a reading room for the microfilm collections. There are three manual microfilm readers and one digital reader/scanner. Another computer terminal is available for consulting digital collections (New York Times, Declassified Documents Reference System) and internet access. Library staff are always available to help out with sources etc. 

Consultation: There is no limit to the number of materials a researcher can see in a day. However, if more than one researcher wants to use the digital reader at the same time an effort is made to share access.  

Policy on technology: The Center possesses no paper archives, so all materials have to be consulted using one of the readers. Researchers are able to copy large quantities of material onto cd using the digital reader, or print out hard copies. Researchers can use lap tops in the reading room. 

Photocopy policy: The standard pricing is 10 Euro cents for every page either photocopied or printed out. However, if a researcher is planning on doing a lot of copying they can consult with the library staff about costs beforehand. 

Particularities:  The Center is located in the centre of Middelburg, so there are plenty of opportunities for lunch nearby. The library and reading room close for half an hour between 1-1.30pm for lunch. 

How to apply for classified files: The Center does not hold any classified material.

For details on the Center’s collections go to http://www.roosevelt.nl/en/collections/

For information about the collections please contact Hans Krabbendam (jl.krabbendam@zeeland.nl) or Giles Scott-Smith (gp.scott-smith@zeeland.nl)

Places to Stay: The Center can arrange accommodation at a local bed and breakfast for visitors, at around 35 Euro per night.

Forms: No forms required to arrange a visit.

Funding: Research grants are available. These cover travel, accommodation, and a sum towards photocopying/printing. Applications must be submitted at least two months before the intended visit. For more details please consult the website at: http://www.roosevelt.nl/en/collections/research_grants/