Consulting Archives and Manuscripts

An extensive programme to catalogue archives and manuscripts has been undertaken and work on this continues. Readers are advised to consult Special Collections staff in advance of their visit to establish the nature of the finding aids available for and access to specific collections.

Archives, manuscripts and artefacts are available for consultation by appointment only, and at 24 hours' notice. Material may be ordered in advance by email, telephone, letter or in person using request slips in the Special Collections Reading Room. Orders are normally restricted to a maximum of six files per fetch. Material is fetched at specific times of the day, Monday to Friday, and kept on reserve by prior arrangement. Your Library card will be taken in exchange for documents issued. Please do not hesitate to contact Special Collections staff if you have a query.

Certain precautions are applied to protect unique and often fragile documents as they must be handled carefully to ensure their future preservation. All material is read under supervision in the Special Collections Reading Room where a security camera is also in operation. Readers are asked to leave bags in the lockers provided and to use pencils when taking notes. No eating, drinking or chewing gum is allowed. New readers are asked to complete a registration card providing brief details of their research interests which can be mutually helpful.

Portable computers may be used unless keyboard noise proves a distraction to others. Photocopies can be obtained or a digital scanning service is available, providing the material is deemed fit by the member of staff on duty or the Conservator, by filling in an order form; photocopying is done by Library staff and readers should allow at least 24 hours before collection.

shl.specialcollections@london.ac.uk 020 7862 8470