Using the archive
Choose a way to read.
Use the reading tools, ordinary links and source context in the way that works for you. You do not need an account to read these public guides.
Keyboard and navigation
Use Tab to move through links and controls, Shift + Tab to move back, and Enter to follow a focused link. The skip link moves past the main navigation to the page content. Page headings and the reading contents panel offer another way to move through longer guides.
On an investigation with source inspection, opening a source keeps its original link available. Close the source panel with its Close button or Escape; focus returns to the control that opened it.
Text size and printing
Use your browser's zoom or text-size settings to make reading more comfortable. The Print reading view control opens the browser's print dialog. Citation and evidence context should travel with the material you print.
The source analysis worksheet provides a structured way to record a question, observations, limits and competing evidence. Its own page explains what is saved locally and how to clear it.
Motion and media
The design includes a reduced-motion treatment. Enable reduced motion in your device's accessibility settings to request it. Important site explanations remain available as text rather than only in animation.
When a published video offers captions, a transcript or chapters, use those controls to choose how to follow it. Media alternatives vary by the material available. A transcript does not replace a description of important information shown only on screen.
Inspecting and citing sources
A source's title, archive, locator, limits and rights context matter as much as the image. Follow the original source link when a scan is difficult to read. Cite & Reuse explains how a citation differs from permission to reproduce material.
Search and source tools do not make a historical finding more certain. A missing result is not evidence that an event did not happen.
Describe a barrier
A useful report names the page, the action you tried, what happened, and the browser or assistive technology involved. Do not include passwords or private account information.
The Assignment Desk shows whether submissions are available. When it is open, you can include an accessibility problem as context. An unavailable form is not a working reporting channel, and this page does not promise a response time.
Our accessibility goal
WCAG 2.2 AA is the target for public-site review. This page describes reading options; it is not a claim of completed WCAG conformance, certification, or comprehensive assistive-technology testing. Automated checks and screenshots do not replace real-user testing.
Last material update: September 13, 2026.