Before departing for Mali, researchers should write a formal request for permit to conduct research to: Ministre de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique, Bamako. A second letter should be sent to M. Mamadou Sarr, Chef de la Division de Recherche Scientifique, B.P. 159, Bamako, advising him that the first letter has been written and stating both the research topic and the anticipated duration of the research trip.

Once in Bamako (if permission is granted), the “Autorisation de Recherche” can be obtained from M. Sarr, whose office is in the Ministry of Education Building on the Place de la Liberté. If this can be done within the first few days after arrival and before expiration of the temporary visa, the research authorization can simplify the visa renewal process at the Direction des Services de Sécurité. Authorization for access to the Archives Nationales du Mali requires a separate application, which also is issued by M. Sarr and can be applied for at the same time as the general authorization.

Every researcher is required to work under the aegis of the Institut des Sciences Humaines, of which M. Sarr is director. Those intending to do field work are assigned an I.S.H.M. “technician” who may have some background in the subject and can also be helpful in contacting informants. In principle, the technician is supposed to accompany the investigator on all field trips, and the investigator is expected to pay the technician's transportation costs, food, and lodging, as well as 2,000 Malien francs (about $5.00) per diem.