Regulations and registration
The Reading Room is available to all researchers, at the discretion of the Keeper. It is staffed with a Duty Officer, who is present at all times and available to provide assistance and advice to readers.
Whenever you visit, please sign the register at the front of the main Duty Officer's desk in the East Midlands room.
Access to archive materials
Using the East Midlands Collection
You do not need to be registered with us to use the East Midlands Room, or to consult items there, but you will need a University Library card if you wish to borrow items from the East Midlands Collection.
Viewing items from other collections
Only registered users may request documents and rare books from the reserved collections. These are issued from the main store, brought through to the reader and must be viewed in the Reading Room.
Registration
New readers wishing to use manuscripts and special collections will need to be registered. They will be asked to provide some ID, complete a registration form and agree to the Reading Room regulations.
A reader's ticket will be issued and this must be produced on any subsequent visit.
Regulations
Use of laptops
Readers wishing to use their own laptops will be accommodated if possible, providing their machine does not disturb other readers. A laptop is available for members of the University to borrow.
Wireless is available in the Reading Rooms.
Use of audio equipment
Use of audio equipment is not normally permitted.
Use of handheld photographic/recording devices
Ask the Duty Officer about taking photographs in the reading room. The reprographics services pages describes our policy on the use of readers' mobile phones, personal cameras (including digital cameras), video recorders or hand-held scanners in the Reading Room.
Food and drink
No food or drink may be consumed in the Reading Rooms. This includes bottled water and chewing gum.
Care of material
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Readers must use pencils in the inner reading room, to prevent accidental damage to documents and books from pens.
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Documents and books must not be marked, folded or leaned upon.
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Documents and bound volumes should always be placed on the supports provided; the Duty Officer will be pleased to offer assistance if needed.
Security
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The amount of material issued to a reader at any one time will be restricted. The limit can vary depending upon the collection and its physical condition.
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Readers may not remove any document, book or restricted material from the Reading Rooms.
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Anyone wishing to leave material temporarily should inform the Duty Officer, otherwise it may be returned to the store in their absence.
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Readers should allow time before their departure (about 10 minutes) for the staff to check the material that is being returned.
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