Access to Archives and Special Collections

As part of the recent moves we are now offering access to Institute of Commonwealth Studies Library archives and special collections from the Goldsmiths Library, 4th Floor, South Block, Senate House Library.

Collections can be consulted alongside other Senate House Library collections, and will be more properly supervised under these arrangements.

Opening Hours are detailed at http://www.shl.lon.ac.uk/specialcollections/historicaccess.shtml

Readers are advised to consult Special Collections staff at least 24 hours in advance of their visit to establish the nature of the finding aids available for and access to specific collections.

Special Collections items may be requested by email, telephone, letter, fax or in person. Library members can use the 'Book this item' facility to request rare and early printed books in the main catalogue in advance of their visit. Fetch slips for all materials are available from the Special Collections reading room in the Goldsmiths' Library, Fourth Floor, Senate House).

Please note that Special Collections items are only fetched at certain times of the day. Archives, manuscripts and artefacts are available for consultation by prior appointment only, and at 24 hours' notice.

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.

Laptops may be used unless keyboard noise proves a distraction to others.