The Office of Document Preservation and Acoustic Integrity has issued a temporary directive restricting visitor access to the Civic Archives Reading Room between 12:00 and 14:00 each day. This measure follows multiple reports of disruptive page-turning during designated quiet digestion intervals.
Although the archives remain open in the morning and late afternoon, individuals requiring extended consultation time are advised to adjust their schedules accordingly. Whispering, coat rustling, dramatic sighs and audible smartphone notifications (including LINE message tones or ringtone previews) also remain discouraged under Bulletin 8-E.
Researchers who require midday access for time-sensitive projects may submit a Noise Mitigation Request Form (NMR‑12) along with a list of expected paper-handling gestures. Approved requests will be monitored by an on-site archivist.
Mobile devices must be kept on silent (not vibrate) and may not be placed directly on hardwood reading surfaces.
Normal access hours will resume pending acoustic reevaluation and the installation of felted document cradles.
