Provides reference service to federal records available on microfilm, in textual form and digitally. Services include genealogy and historical research and access to Federal Court case files from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho as well as to permanent historic records created by federal agency offices in those states. Finding aids, including a comprehensive guide to archival holdings, are available by mail and on the website via the online catalog. Public access to computers is available for researchers.   Genealogical research:   -  Free access to subscription services is available on-site. -  Census records, naturalization records, and ship arrival lists are available mostly on microfilm.   Federal court case files:   -  Offers access to federal court case files from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. -  Several case types are available, including bankruptcy, civil and criminal case files.   -  Provides information on how to access other federal records not at this location, such as military personnel records and veterans' affairs records.

Provides the public with free published census data, as well as assistance in interpreting demographic, social and economic statistics.   Also offers free workshops throughout the Western region regarding how to use census data and statistics on topics such as aging, ethnic origin, gender, neighborhood statistics, agriculture and economic retail data. Census is conducted every 10 years; the next census will be in 2030.   The Seattle Regional Office closed in late 2012 and transferred all responsibilities to the Los Angeles Regional Office.