How soon are the papers and records of a former President open for research?
• How soon the papers and records of a former President are available for research depends on a number of variables. For older Presidential libraries (Hoover through Carter, with the exception of Nixon), the holdings of which are governed by deeds of gift, the papers are processed according to prioritized plans. These plans are often developed with input from the former Presidents. Major areas of current research interest and the timeliness of topics in the national arena are also considered. • For newer libraries (Reagan to Clinton), the holdings of which are governed by the Presidential Records Act (PRA), the records are exempt from public release for five years after the end of a Presidential administration. During this five-year period, archivists process and prepare some of the materials, usually around five percent of the Presidential holdings, for release to researchers. • After the end of the five-year period, a body of records is available for research, and all Presidential re
