The Diocese of Tucson Archives seeks to encourage as much openness and availability of the collections as possible. At the same time, there is a responsibility to safeguard the confidentiality of certain records. This may include records containing personal information on individuals or information given in situations assured to be private, including current issues related to diocesan business. Questions on access should be directed to the Archivist, and any unresolved issues can be presented to the Chancellor.

  • Each collection is considered on its own terms. An open collection is one that can be used without any specific limitations. A restricted collection is subject to certain rules. Restricted collections may be open only in certain sections, or sometimes, only for specific purposes. Closed collections are those what are not open at all.
  • All patrons, regardless of sex, race or creed will be allowed to examine open material.
  • The Copyright and Fair Use Acts help to govern our policy. Copies can be made only if they are 100 pages or 10% of the book, whichever is less. Citing the sources found in the Archives are at the discretion of the researcher, who must also take into account issues of plagiarism and copyright infringement. Copies can be made for 10 cents apiece for 8½x11 and 15 cents apiece for 11x14.
  • Materials may be consulted in the Archives, but will not be loaned under any circumstances.
  • Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in the Archives
  • Materials are provided at the discretion of the Archivist. The Archivist reserves the right to deny any person access to records within reason.
  • Permission to examine materials does not include permission to reproduce any manuscript. Permission to reproduce must be obtained from the Archivist.

Genealogical Research

  • There is open access to all sacramental registers aged 71 years and older. Records aged after 71 years have limited access. Please consult the Archivist for any limitations.
  • There is a $10 fee per certificate, or a $25 fee for a half hour of searching (whichever is less). Patrons may do their own research at the Archives for free. The Archives is open by appointment only.