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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “new model,” for the Barack Obama Presidential Library?
The Barack Obama Presidential Library is the first all-digital Presidential library. Although the Obama Presidential Library (administered through NARA) and the Obama Presidential Center (located on the South Side of Chicago) are separate entities, a substantial number of items (records and artifacts) on display at the Obama Presidential Center will be loaned to the Obama Foundation by NARA.
Under the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955, amended in 1986, the Obama Foundation is not required to provide NARA with a building for the records and our staff.
The Presidential records of Barack Obama became subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on January 20, 2022. NARA processes textual records in a traditional manner, with archival staff processing responsive textual records requested via FOIA from the textual record. NARA digitizes these processed records in the same manner records are digitized at other Presidential libraries as part of the FOIA review and access process. Digitization of processed records occurs after review/notification is completed. Paper records are preserved as permanent records after digitization is complete.
NARA maintains legal and physical custody of the records and artifacts. After digitization, NARA will store and preserve the original unclassified materials at an existing NARA facility. The classified records have been moved to the National Archives at College Park, MD. A substantial number of items (records and artifacts) on display at the Obama Presidential Center will be loaned to the Obama Foundation by NARA.
Further information is available via NARA's website Information about New Model for Obama Presidential Library page.
Are there exhibits open to the public at the Barack Obama Presidential Library site?
No. There are no plans to open the library to the public. To view records that have been released through systematic processing and FOIA requests, visit our Digital Research Room.
Who do I contact about a loan request or an offer to donate?
For artifact loan inquiries, email obama.library@nara.gov and include “Artifact Collection” in the subject line to ensure your email is directed to the artifact staff for a response.
How to contact President and Mrs. Obama
President and Mrs. Obama DO NOT maintain an office at the Barack Obama Presidential Library. All general requests, including congratulatory or retirement letters, scheduling requests, or media inquiries, should be sent to the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama. Mail addressed to President or Mrs. Obama delivered to the Barack Obama Presidential Library will be returned to the sender.
Office of Barack and Michelle Obama
P.O. Box 91000
Washington, DC 20066
Who should I contact if I am interested in Vice President Joe Biden’s official records?
Vice President Joe Biden’s records are housed at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC. These records became subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on January 20, 2022. For more information on the records of Vice President Biden please contact the Archival Operations Division at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC. at:
Archival Operations Division - Vice Presidential Materials
National Archives and Records Administration
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Room G-7
Washington, DC 20408
Email: presidential.materials@nara.gov
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