How do I order archive material during a personal visit to the archive?

Below you find the steps you need to take to order archive material when visiting the archive personally:

  1. Please plan your visit in accordance with the opening hours of the Austrian State Archives. At this stage, you do not need to reserve a place in the research area/reading room. During your first visit, you may consult the research assistant on duty to find out whether the Austrian State Archives hold material on your topic. If so, the staff will help you to get familiarized with the “Findbücher“ (finding aids) in order to refine your search and place an order. Please note that only three boxes or ten individual files can be provided per order.
  2. Please fill in the research form („Benützerbogen“), available at the advisory desk.
  3. Fill in an order form. This form is available in the reading room and must be put in the boxes provided by the respective departments. The requested material will be available in the reading room 48 hours after your order and will be ready for 7 days. In special cases, the processing of a complex request may take up to 72 hours.
  4. Now you may book your working space in the reading room on the website of the Austrian State Archives. If you have any questions about online reservations, please contact us at oesta@oesta.gv.at.
  5. You have now reserved one or more time slots in the reading room and you are ready to start: On your next visit to the Archives, purchase the appropriate user card and then you will receive the documents you have ordered at the Issues/Returns desk. If you want to use these documents over the course of more than one day, please keep the staff at the Issues/Returns desk informed so that the documents can be put on hold for you. If not, please inform the staff that you will not be needing the documents any longer when returning them at the Issues/Returns desk.
  6. General information: Please register at the porter’s desk. Bags and outdoor clothing (e.g. jackets or coats) must be stored in the lockers located in the designated area.