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When can I expect a
response to my request?
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Dear Researcher:
We
are delighted—but overwhelmed—
by your response . . .
Please
be patient! |
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Dear Illinois State Archives
Researcher:
The Illinois State Archives is dedicated to making the records in its custody
easily accessible to Illinois citizens and to researchers everywhere. Several
years ago the Archives began to use the Internet to deliver services to
the public. The results may be measured by the increase in the numbers by which we
track usage. Prior to launching the Web site those statistics were measured
in the tens-of-thousands. Usage requests for 2000 and 2001 have soared
to over 8,000,000 each year. At the current rate of demand in
2002, that total will exceed 12,000,000.
That success of our efforts has greatly increased the length of time it
takes for staff to fulfill requests for copies of records. We ask for
your patience while we adjust to this increased demand. Every request—whether
received by mail, telephone, or the Internet—will be filled.
Sincerely,
John Daly, Director
Illinois State Archives
| Please
note . . .
Since
May 15, 2002, the Illinois State Archives' Web site has
contained a searchable index to death records registered
in the state, 1916-1950. THAT SERVICE WILL BE CONTINUED.
From the same
date the State Archives has also offered free uncertified
copies of those death certificates to all patrons who
requested them by email, telephone, or postal mail. That
service will have to be discontinued as of November 15,
2002.
The reason for
this change is that the demand for those records has been
so very great that it has overwhelmed our staff resources
and forced great delays in responding to our patrons.
Despite all of the other capabilities we have devoted to
that demand it showed every sign of only growing larger,
to the point that our reference services would become so
delayed that they would lose realistic usefulness.
We very much
regret this change, and hope for your understanding.
Click
here for instructions as to where you can secure the death
records that you identify through use of the Death Index.
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| NOTE: |
The
Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) system, a
program of the Illinois State Archives, does not have
a similar backlog of reference requests. You can
expect a response from IRAD within a few weeks.
IRAD does not
have copies of death records (1916–1950)
maintained by the Illinois Department of Public
Health, Office of Vital Records. Please
do not send requests for copies of death records
found in the Illinois Statewide Death Index
(1916–1950) to our regional depositories. Click
here for
information about how to obtain copies of original
death records.
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