As an extension of its mission, the Archives of the Episcopal Church welcomes research inquiries from the public. Public access to the records of the Church is governed by policies adopted by the Board of Archives of the Church's General Convention and by agreement with private donors. These policies require that all researchers complete an Application for the Examination of Archives. The application should state in detail the purpose of the research, provide evidence of reputable standing, and identify the objectives and intended products of the research inquiry. The researcher will be notified by letter of acceptance. Researchers returning after an absence of more than a year will be asked to update their application form. Researchers are advised to plan application well in advance of a visit. Within reasonable limits and as time permits, the staff of the Archives will respond to reference inquiries by mail and telephone.

Access is granted on the basis of the age, condition, and content of the records. Open records are those materials older than 30 years that are available to the public. Confidential records include personnel records and documents containing sensitive personal information. These materials are closed for a period of 80 years. Restricted records are privileged communications of the creating Church agency. These records are closed for a period of 30 years. Access to records older than 30 years may also be restricted if the records have not been processed or appraised, if they contain unseparated personal information, if they are in fragile condition, or if restrictions have been placed on them by the donor. Special access to restricted records may be granted in the unusual case when release of the information serves an essential public interest over and above a private research agenda or when it fulfills a vital personal need. Published records of the Society and minutes of the Executive Council and the General Convention are open and available to researchers.

All records and papers of the Archives unless otherwise noted are the property of The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Discretionary decisions regarding access and disposition are reserved to the Archivist of the Episcopal Church. Researchers are required to request permission to publish and to note copyright permission and credit in print. Proper citation formats are available upon request. Researchers are respectfully requested to deposit copies of their work with the Archives when significant use has been made of its primary resources.